The Wizard of Oz hit only one career home run while batting from the left side of the plate. It just so happened to be his most memorable hit ever
By Ryan K Boman | October 14, 2025
On October 14th, 1985, St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith stepped to the plate in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series and hit a game-winning, walk-off home run off Los Angeles Dodgers’ reliever Tom Niedenfuer.
The Wizard of Oz’s improbable shot gave the St. Louis Cardinals a 3-2 victory and a 3-2 series lead. The Redbirds would go on to win game seven and the National League Pennant. They were later defeated by the Kansas City Royals in the 1985 World Series.
This historic blast was the first left-handed home run of his career, coming in his 3,009th at-bat from that side of the plate. It is also remembered for Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck’s call: “Go Crazy, folks! Go Crazy!”
The Sidearmer 