St. Louis is once again living in memory and pride. Nearly three decades after “The Wizard” hung up his gloves, Ozzie Smith, the legendary shortstop who once made MLB bow in admiration, officially returned to the Cardinals as a special advisor, under a two-year contract worth $4 million – a figure that surprised not because of its value, but because of the meaning behind it.
At 70, Smith could have enjoyed a peaceful life – he is a Hall of Famer, 15-time Gold Glove winner, 13-time All-Star, and a symbol of defensive perfection. But when asked why he returned to the Cardinals at a time when the team was falling into a period of instability, he just smiled:
“I came back not for the money, but because I saw the light of the Cardinals gradually fading. And I wanted to rekindle it, before it was too late.”
Busch Stadium sources confirmed that Ozzie will coach weekly with the younger players, especially infielders like Masyn Winn and Nolan Gorman, and impart the “Cardinals Way” philosophy that has defined the team for the past half-century: discipline, humility, and winning with pride.
In a press conference, Smith became emotional when talking about this decision:
“I see those kids playing with confidence, but without the pride that we once had. The Cardinals used to be a place where baseball was played with heart, not just a contract.”
His return has caused an uproar in St. Louis. From former pitcher Adam Wainwright to rookie Masyn Winn, everyone posted to welcome “The Wizard.” Winn wrote on X:
“Nobody knows the Cardinals better than him. I will learn every slide, every swing from the greatest.”
Not only fans, but also experts highly appreciated the decision of the leadership. Commentator Joe Buck commented on FOX Sports:
“If the Cardinals are looking to restore their identity, there is no one more deserving than Ozzie Smith. He is the heart of St. Louis.”
According to the agreement, Smith will participate in an internal spiritual mentoring program, assist the coaching staff with competitive psychology, and is expected to take on the role of special advisor to President John Mozeliak on youth development strategy. A source further revealed that Smith turned down offers from two other teams – including the Padres – to return to the Cardinals, where he affirmed that “there is still an unfinished debt.”
The 70-year-old legend once said:
“Title will be forgotten. But if you leave a culture, it will last forever.”
Now, he’s not just back to coach pitching or catching – he’s back to teach the next generation how to respect the red jersey, something many say has faded since the Wainwright – Molina – Pujols generation left.
And when he walks into spring training next spring, with his old glove in hand and the smile that once endeared the city, perhaps Cardinals fans will understand:
Not all legends are gone – some are back, just to remind us that the spirit of St. Louis is still alive.
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