Ozzie Smith, Whitey Herzog Expected at Cardinals Spring Training: A Fan’s Reaction

Spring training is just around the corner, and the St. Louis Cardinals can expect some big names like Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and ex-manager Whitey Herzog to show up and offer their support this spring.

Ozzie Smith hasn’t worn his Cardinals uniform since he retired after his falling out with Tony La Russa. That was over 15 years ago. But Fox Sports Midwest tells us that he’s going to come to the Cards’ spring training as a guest instructor — and in uniform. They say he’ll only show up for a few days during the first week of March, but it’s still another sign that we can expect greatness in the upcoming season.

Adding to that expectation of greatness is the rumor that Whitey Herzog is going to be at spring training in Jupiter, Fla., as well. He’s been absent since La Russa first came around.

Tony La Russa was the reason both of these giants were distancing themselves from the team, and his absence means a family reunion of sorts in the upcoming weeks. It’s definitely adding some silver lining to what the team has lost in the last few months.

It might even mean Smith will be coaching in the Cardinals’ minor league system over the season. Fox Midwest reports that he’s already said he’d be open to that. Even though this is Mike Matheny’s first year in management, he’s clearly getting support across the board.

This showing of support from the old club members is just one more reason to expect to see some more good things ahead for the Cards as they enter a season where they’ve absolutely got to be at their best.

They are, as MLB.com says, “the hunted” this year, but they’ve got a title to defend, some history to make, and some greats from Cards history to offer support, guidance and cheer them on. Things are shaping up to look good as they enter the season as World Series champions.

Now if we could only manage to add Roy Oswalt to the roster. There’s still no official word on where he’s going this year.

Angela Woods is a fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. She has family in Missouri and is planning to make it to at least one game in 2012. (Hopefully more.)


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