Each year, an MLB Hall of Famer is selected to serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game. The Honorary Chairman works to raise awareness for the Game and its charitable cause towards the research and treatment of cancer. The Chairman also serves as a role model to the selected Aflac All-Americans, sharing insight with the players about his MLB and life experiences. This year, Hall of Fame Shortstop Ozzie Smith has again been chosen to serve as the Game's Chairman.

Ozzie Smith

Ozzie Smith is known in baseball as "The Wizard" and the best defensive shortstop of all time. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. Ozzie retired from baseball in 1996 after playing 19 years in the major leagues, the first four years with the San Diego Padres and the final fifteen with the St. Louis Cardinals. His nickname describes the way he played shortstop—he performed magic with his glove and performed in the infield with amazing acrobatic agility.

Ozzie broke countless records during his nineteen years in the majors:

• All-time assist leader at shortstop with 8,375 assists
• All-time leader at turning double plays, with 1,590
• 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, signifying the best at his position
• Started at shortstop for 10 consecutive years in the All Star Game, and was the number one vote getter over-all for the 1987 and 1988 All Star Games

Off-the-Field Accomplishments:

• 2001 recipient of the "Walter Payton Sweetness Award", a Victor Award given to an athlete who has contributed to his community as well as being recognized in his particular sport
• 1995 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, the humanitarian award of Major League Baseball
• 1994 recipient of the Branch Rickey Award, personifying "Service Above Self"
• 1992 St. Louis Man of the Year, a prestigious civic award never before given to an athlete
• 1986 Father of the Year Honors Group Award
• 1983 NAACP Image Award for Sportsmanship, Humanitarianism, and Community Involvement

Since retirement from baseball Ozzie succeeded Mel Allen as host of This Week in Baseball, was the color analyst for Cardinal broadcasts in 1997-1999, and served as the baseball analyst for CNNSI, a joint venture between CNN and Sports Illustrated from 1999 to 2002. He also has a restaurant in St. Louis, Ozzie's Restaurant and Sports Bar at Westport Plaza, celebrating its 20th year in business in 2008.

In addition to his baseball accomplishments, Ozzie has been involved with numerous philanthropies. Ozzie's charitable endeavors almost always benefit children, and he has spent countless hours assisting various charities such as Multiple Sclerosis, The Variety Club, Ronald McDonald House, Annie Malone Children's Home, The Boys Club of St. Louis, and Kids in the Middle. Currently, Ozzie serves as the Education Ambassador to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a position created expressly for him.

In 1998, 1999 and 2001 Ozzie was cast in three theatrical productions at The Municipal Theatre in St. Louis. He had a cameo role in "Damn Yankees" in 1998. In 1999 he sang and tap danced in "The Muny Goes British" a musical revue based on songs from various Broadway musicals, and in 2001 he starred as The Wizard in The Muny's production of "The Wizard of Oz". In 2005, the CD, "Oh Say Can You Sing" was released featuring Ozzie singing the Sam Cooke song, "Cupid". The CD includes 10 other major league baseball players singing their own versions of popular songs. Proceeds from this project go to the players' designated charities.

Ozzie has three children and makes St. Louis his home because he feels a deep responsibility to give back to the community that has so enriched his life.

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Previous Honorary Chairmen

2003
Stan "The Man" Musial, one of St. Louis' most revered outfielders, served as the Game's first Honorary Chairman in 2003. Sports Illustrated named him its Sportsman of the Year in 1957 and the Sporting News honored him as Sportsman of the Decade for the years between 1946 and 1956. Upon retirement, Musial held 17 Major League, 29 National League and 9 All-Star Game Records; he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on a first-ballot vote in 1969.

2004-2005
In back-to-back years, Cal Ripken, Jr. not only served as Honorary Chairman, but his stadium in Aberdeen, MD played host to the game. Baseball's all-time Iron Man, he retired following the 2001 season after 21 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. While he holds numerous records, his most notabe one is being oneof only eight players in history to achieve 400 home runs and 3,000 hits. On July 29, 2007 he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame – receiving the 3rd highest voting percentage in history and collecting the most votes ever.

2006
Reggie Jackson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993, after a stellar career where he won consecutive World Series Titles with the Oakland A's in the early 70's, as well as with the New York Yankees in the late 70's. A 14-time All-Star member, he also received Silver Slugger Awards, and was named World Series MVP twice. His jersey number has since been retired with by both teams.

2007
In 2007, Ozzie Smith served as Honorary Chairman for the first time. This year, he has again been chosen to serve as the Game's Chairman.