When MLB went about selecting its All Century Team, The Sporting News (long time based in St. Louis) selected an all time St. Louis Cardinals team--one that would give the all time MLB team a good contest.

The Wizard established new respect for Defense. Not only did he win 11 consecutive Gold Gloves, beginning in 1982 with some of the finest acrobatic moves ever seen on the baseball diamond, but Smith worked at his hitting to become a formidable offensive threat as well.