Shortstop Ozzie Smith is recognized as one of the best defensive shortstops in Major League Baseball history. He is also known as a St. Louis Cardinal by many who love the game. But many don’t remember Smith was a member of the San Diego Padres before he landed in St. Louis.
On Dec. 10, 1981, the Padres and the Cardinals agreed in principle on a trade that would
send Smith to the Cardinals in a six-player deal. There was only one issue: Smith had to sign off.
Ozzie Smith had a contract that contained a no-trade clause and he wanted to get double his salary to go to St. Louis. Both sides went back and forth on the agreement, with Smith digging his heels in to get what he wanted or close to it.
Eventually both sides were able to come to an agreement and Smith was traded to the Cardinals on Feb. 11, 1982. Smith would go on to become legendary for his glovework and become a Hall of Famer.
