Smith was the best defensive shortstop of the 1980s and most likely the best ever. For nineteen years, the "Wizard of Oz” dominated baseball with his breathtaking, and often game-saving, defensive play. Smith won thirteen straight Gold Glove Awards (1980-1992) at shortstop and led the National League in fielding percentage seven times. Smith began his major league career with the San Diego Padres in 1978. The Padres dealt him to the St. Louis Cardinals in February 1982. Smith's career year in 1987 was instrumental in the Cards' World Series run. He hit .303 with 43 stolen bases, 75 RBI and 104 runs scored and finished second in the MVP balloting.