Hall of Fame short stop Ozzie Smith arrived in St. Louis for the 1982 season after spending the first part of his career with the San Diego Padres. Smith’s defensive prowess, along with his clutch hitting, propelled the Cardinals to a World Series title in 1982.

      This size 38 Rawlings pullover powder blue Cardinals road jersey was worn by Smith during the championship 1982 season. “Cardinals” is sewn across the chest in red and navy blue cursive script in smooth chenille with a golden bat and two perched Cardinals on each end. Smith’s number “1” is sewn on in red and navy blue tackle twill on the left chest and Smith signed his name below the “Cardinals” script in red ink. “O. SMITH” and his number “1” are sewn on directly to the back of the jersey in red and navy blue tackle twill. The v-neck collar and sleeve ends are capped with a ribbed red white and blue material. The red Rawlings tag is sewn on the inside front right tail with some of the stitching loose, resulting in the 1982 year flag to be missing from this jersey. Also missing from this jersey is the black armband that was worn following the passing of former Cardinals’ player and manager Ken Boyer in August of 1982. This jersey was most likely the first set of jerseys that was issued and replaced prior to Boyer’s passing. The jersey shows moderate use and with its age displays some fading.

      According to manager Whitey Herzog in his LOA that accompanies this jersey, each Cardinal uniform player and coach were issued two home white and two road blue jerseys for the 1982 season and that the 1982 missing tag on this particular jersey was not that uncommon, especially with players constantly tucking and un-tucking their jerseys, causing damage to the Rawlings tag. Herzog’s signed LOA comes with a COA from PSA/DNA (AB73615). This jersey also comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (AC04029) for Smith’s signature, a LOA from The Pujols Family Foundation and a LOA from noted game used jersey expert Dave Miedema.

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