On this episode of Throwing Heat, Tony, Dan, and Ross the Boss had the distinct privilege of interviewing legendary hall of famer, St. Louis Cardinals’ shortstop, Ozzie Smith. We get to hear about the earliest baseball days in Ozzie’s path to the majors, as he shared the diamond at his high school with another hall of fame, Eddie Murray. Ozzie’s draft day, his promotion to starting shortstop in spring training by baseball legend Alvin Dark, and the origin of his flips and handsprings as he used to take the field all shine a light on the class act that is Ozzie Smith.

The Throwing Heat team is in full agreement with Ozzie about the changes in the game and what a loss it is — such as the fact that people don’t even know how to bunt anymore. We consider together if the 85 Cardinals would small ball today’s teams to death, as they try to hit home run after home run, striking out right and left and not bringing good efficiency to the game.

We also get to hear about the meaning of the all star game back in Ozzie’s day, which explains why the National League had such historic success. And, while Ozzie was kind enough to recount the biggest home run of his career in the NL championship series of 1985, we all agree that it is his slick fielding (which led to 13 Gold Gloves), flashy double plays, and team play that make Ozzie one of he all time greats.