ST. LOUIS — In a remarkable act of tribute and gratitude, the St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly approved a massive €500 million budget to construct a new statue of Ozzie Smith, the Hall of Fame shortstop affectionately known as “The Wizard,” outside Busch Stadium. The monument aims to celebrate Smith’s tremendous contributions to the franchise and the city during his storied career.
According to team sources cited by LateDaily, the decision was made to “immortalize a living legend” with a monument that reflects both the scale of his influence and the love he continues to receive from fans across generations.
The proposed statue is expected to feature Ozzie Smith in a signature acrobatic play, a nod to the gravity-defying athleticism that made him a defensive icon and 13-time Gold Glove winner.
“Ozzie was more than just a player; he was the heartbeat of St. Louis baseball for over a decade,” said one Cardinals executive. “This statue is long overdue.”
Planned to be unveiled outside Busch Stadium, the project has reportedly already entered the design phase, with internationally renowned sculptors being considered for the commission.
The Cardinals organization emphasized that the gesture was not merely symbolic but part of a broader effort to honor players who “shaped the identity of baseball in St. Louis.”
“To see a statue of myself going up… I’m speechless,” Smith said in response to the announcement. “It’s an incredible honor and I’m truly grateful.”
Smith played 15 seasons with the Cardinals (1982–1996), earning 15 All-Star selections, a World Series title in 1982, and countless highlight-reel plays that redefined the shortstop position.
In 2002, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the game’s all-time greats. The upcoming statue is meant to amplify that legacy — not only for today’s fans but for future generations who may never have seen him play live.
“He made magic on the field,” one longtime fan said. “There will never be another Ozzie.”
While the precise unveiling date has yet to be confirmed, sources close to the team suggest the statue may be completed in time for the 2026 season — a fitting tribute during the Cardinals’ centennial celebration of their first World Series title.