PEORIA, Ill. – A Baseball Hall of Famer made a stop in Peoria to help raise money for a local organization.
Former Saint Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith was the guest speaker Thursday night at the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary fundraiser.
The event each year raises money to help support efforts by the Salvation Army.
Event co-chair Tami Shawgo says it’s the auxiliary’s biggest event each year, and brings awareness to the organization.
“A lot of people who attend may not be familiar with all the things that they do here in our community, and after tonight, they will be more familiar with that, so that’s always important,” Shawgo said.
Shawgo says Thursday night’s event was expected to raise around $150,000, with a total amount raised in a decade and half of about $1.6 million.
Smith says coming to events such as the women’s auxiliary dinner helps him stay connected to fans, but also to give back to the community.
“I was already preached by, starting at home to my high school to my college coach, the importance of giving back,” Smith said. “This is that way of doing that, it’s one of the things I’ve done since I’ve retired.”
Smith began his career with the San Diego Padres in 1978 before being traded to the Cardinals in 1982. He won the 1982 World Series with the Cardinals, and is a 13 time Gold Glove winner.
Smith says he was hopeful that people at the dinner also took away a message of sympathy and compassion for one another.
Smith, also known as The Wizard of Oz, briefly spoke on the current state of the Cardinals. The team was eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday night, after a 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants.
Smith says it’s been a rough few years for the franchise, with the lack of playoff baseball in St. Louis and fans wondering when a return to postseason play will occur. He is hopeful for a return to October baseball with some fresh faces on the field and a new general manager.
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