Ozzie Smith
Date of Birth: 12/26/1954
Rookie Card Year: 1979
Investment Rating: 7.5
Overview
Despite being retired from the game for several years, Ozzie Smith baseball cards and autographed memorabilia remain incredibly popular with collectors. A gifted athlete, his prowess in the field was a spectacle to watch. His situational hitting and speed on the base paths ensured no one left for the concession stands when he was up to bat.
With a resumé that includes 15 All-Star appearances, 13 Gold Gloves and a World Series Championship, Ozzie Smith became an adopted son in St. Louis and a fan favorite.
His two rookie cards are part of the 1979 Topps and O-Pee-Chee Baseball sets. Both picture him as a member of the San Diego Padres. Many people still find it difficult to see him in that uniform despite playing on the team for four seasons. He also has a 1979 Hostess food panel card that is popular with collectors.
Ozzie Smith's first certified autograph cards were issued in 1997 Donruss Elite. They are part of the Passing the Torch insert set. He has both a single-signed card and one where he's paired with Derek Jeter's signature. Both cards are serial numbered to 150.
In 1999, Upper Deck produced Smith's first memorabilia card. It is part of the 1999 Upper Deck Century Legends set and is an unnumbered jersey card.
Ozzie Smith's signature smile, both on and off the field, endeared him to collectors. To this day, that smile still exists when he is signing for fans. He willingly participates in signing events. It's been said that the in-person experience is one a collector will never forget due to his upbeat personality and mutual respect for his fans.
Ozzie Smith Rookie Card Checklist
1979 O-Pee-Chee Ozzie Smith RC #52
As is the case with many O-Pee-Chee and Topps products, the key differences between the two, are the logo on the front and the bilingual back. This card is very popular with player collectors attempting to put together a comprehensive Ozzie Smith collection. This is particularly true when pursuing the card in a specific grade. It is well known for being miscut. As a result, professionally graded copies that earn a high grade command a significant premium.
1979 Topps Ozzie Smith RC #116
The Topps card is easier to find in high-grade due to the fact that it is often better centered. While still a condition issue, the card is not impacted to the degree of the O-Pee-Chee Ozzie Smith rookie card.
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Autograph Guide
Ozzie Smith Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Ozzie Smith's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Mounted Memories and Tristar. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Ozzie Smith Cut Signature Exemplar:
Ozzie Smith Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Ozzie Smith signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- Ozzie Smith has a beautiful signature with easily legible letters in both the first and last names.
- The "O" is the largest letter and is created as a double exposure with a smaller "o" inset in the larger cirlce.
- Both of the "z"s are perfectly shaped with a numeric 2 connecting to a small elongated oval-looped tail. Both loops are set on a slight angle and fall below the vertical plane.
- The "i" is dotted. Despite being very small there is an opening visible in the "e."
- The "S' is classic cursive. The "m" has the required humps.
- The "i" is again dotted.
- The "t" is crossed. The line extends to the left longer than the right.
- The "h" is very small and more implied.
Ozzie Smith Signed Baseball Pricing
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Ozzie Smith Signed Bat Pricing
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Ozzie Smith Signed Jersey Pricing
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Ozzie Smith Signed Photograph Pricing
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More Info
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