This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2003.
Ozzie Smith was arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever to play the game, a remarkable title in light of the achievements of some of baseball's legendary shortstops. "The Wizard of Oz" dominated the National League with 13 consecutive Gold Gloves and, according to former Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog, saved 75 runs a year with his defensive play. This Smith San Diego Padres home knit jersey is from 1978, his rookie year. In the neck is the "Wilson" manufacturer's tag with the size "40." On the left front tail is white knit patch with "1 78" in brown chain stitch to represent the player number and year, respectively. The team name "San Diego Padres" has been sewn onto the front with the "San Diego" in brown tackle twill and the "Padres" in yellow on brown tackle twill, a very rare occurrence that both the location and team name are on the front of a jersey. The player number "1" has been sewn onto both the left breast and the back of the jersey in yellow on brown tackle twill. The nameplate has been removed from the jersey. Smith has signed the jersey in blue marker on the front with a signature rating an 8. The jersey shows nice game use and, with the exception of the removed nameplate, appears to have no alterations of any kind. It comes with a letter of authenticity from Donald Williams, a Padres coach in 1978 who states in the letter that he received the jersey directly from Smith at the end of the 1978 season. The jersey comes with an additional letter and the autograph comes with a letter from PSA/DNA.