Even though Larkin had won three consecutive gold gloves (1994-1996), he would never be mistaken for Ozzie Smith defensively.

FORBES: Third Time's The Charm For Barry Larkin

As it turned out, Coleman did single to score Thompson from third, but Ozzie Smith popped out before Coleman could steal second.

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Outside of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, Larkin was considered the best at his position in his career and was a better hitter than Smith.

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At No. 1, do you like Bobby Doerr's six 100-RBI seasons, Richie Ashburn's or Tommy Holmes' .300 career averages or Ozzie Smith's 13 Gold Gloves?

FORBES

Louis Cardinals icons such as Bruce Sutter, Ozzie Smith, Whitey Herzog, Lou Brock and Red Schoendienst also wore red jackets to honor a man who was the embodiment of the franchise for 72 years.

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Besides a rookie campaign that began in 1986 where Ozzie Smith and Cal Ripken, Jr. were the obvious defensive and offensive gold standards for major league shortstops, ball players such as Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League was garnering accolades and praise as a premiere defensive shortstop as well.

FORBES: Third Time's The Charm For Barry Larkin

Minority general managers include Baltimore's Ozzie Newsome, Detroit's Martin Mayhew, Houston's Rick Smith, the New York Giants' Jerry Reese and Oakland's Reggie McKenzie.

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