FILE PHOTO 1988 -- Ozzie Smith, "The Wizard of Oz," does his signature backflip at Busch Stadium. photo by Gary Bohn/staff
As the old story goes, Ozzie Smith loved running the bases but hated running. In spring training in 1978, the San Diego Padres did a two-mile run — and he was sure lagging behind. Because Smith was only 23, the vets started razzing Ozzie. So to show the old Padres he still had some pizazz, the rookie-to-be sprinted and unleashed a round-off back handspring.
It took Garry Templeton flipping off the fans to get Ozzie to St.