Ozzie smith overrated?

Question

this is an arguement i have often with my firend he says ozzie smith is overrated and i disagree with him do you feel ozzie smith is overrated?

Answer 1

Ozzie made his name with his defense and not his offense.  To that extent he is not overrated and his offensive numbers are out there for everyone to see.

Answer 2

Your friend is an idiot.  I'm a Cubs fans and growing up I used to love watching Cardinals games just to watch Ozzie play.  He was a phenominal player.

Answer 3

Your friend should watch some highlights of "The Wizard" sometime, cause Ozzie was the best.

Answer 4

No

Answer 5

No. Even though I'm a Cub fan, when watching old clips of him playing made me think he was a great player.

Answer 6

Ozzie Smith compared to shortstops of yesteryear is very good...but when you see what the shortstops of today are capable of...then it makes his offensive numbers look a lot less impressive.  Cal Ripken, Alex Rodriguez when at short, Miguel Tejada, Derek Jeter...

I know he played a billion years but hits are only impressive to me if you get them in a timely fashion and .262 doesn't suggest a timely fashion...but defensively he may be the best that ever played the position - for that alone he should get in the hall of fame.

Answer 7

I agree with you. Ozzie was one of the good guys in his baseball era that did alot for the game both on and off the field. We all know that he was never a power hitter but his clutch hits when the team needed it being that of a home run,extra base hit,stealing a base or his amazing defensive catches at shortstop help his status in being remembered as one of the greats, his interactions with all baseball fans, players and the media helped him a lot more than his stats.

Answer 8

Nope.  Ozzie Smith is the real deal.  13 Golden Gloves, unequalled, and 2,460 hits.

Answer 9

I bet his defense was some of the best  but the average was a little low

I dont think he was overrated

I think he was an outstanding player

Answer 10

In the era Smith played in, offensive numbers were secondary to defensive ability.  So it's unfair to compare him in that regard to todays SS.

Having said that, Ozzie could hit .200 and many teams in the league now would still covet him.

Yeah, he was THAT good. ;)

Answer 11

Never be another one like the wizzard of oz  . He is truly one of the best ever to play ss . You're right baseball fan he's great !