Lot # 8: 1980 Ozzie Smith Rawling's Gold Glove Award - Outstanding Provenance!

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, which is presented annually to the top Major League fielder at each respective position, is perhaps the most visually impressive of all individual baseball awards. The offered Rawlings Gold Glove Award example was presented to Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith in 1980. The award would be the first of an impressive 13 won by the dazzling San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals fielder. The award features a golden fielder's glove and two golden baseballs mounted atop a wooden base. Affixed to the base is a plaque picturing Smith, beneath which is a second plaque reading, "1980 Rawlings Gold Glove Award - Presented To - Ozzie Smith - Honoring His Selection to The Sporting News National League All-Star Fielding Team." The Rawlings logo appears on either end of the second plaque. The Gold Glove Award, which was established in 1957, is one of only a few major awards issued annually to Major League players in recognition of individual achievement. Because of its significance, nearly all previously issued Gold Glove Awards remain in the possession of the respective player and/or his family. The offered example comes with impeccable provenance. It was gifted directly to our consignor — a front office executive with the San Diego Padres — by Smith immediately following the presentation of the award. The two men had developed a close friendship, and Smith found it to be significant enough to gift the award to our consignor. Notably, Ozzie Smith sold a collection of Gold Glove Awards at public auction in 2012 for a staggering $519,203. According to our consignor, Smith had obtained additional awards for display at his restaurant. The offered award is especially desirable given the status of the recipient. Ozzie Smith is widely regarded as the greatest defensive shortstop in Major League Baseball history. Known as "The Wizard," his acrobatic plays, quick reflexes, and smooth fielding set a new standard for defensive excellence at his position. Beyond his glove, Smith was a key part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ success in the 1980s, contributing speed, leadership, and clutch performances en route to a World Series title in 1982. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 was named to Major League Baseball' s All-Century Team. The award displays light wear, and is in overall Excellent condition. The opportunities for collectors to acquire Gold Glove Awards are few and far between, especially those awarded to Hall of Fame players. This is an ideal example, with exceptional provenance, belonging to one of the greatest fielding stars in the history of the game. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.