And he was at the White House in February 2011 when President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor for contributions to society. Musial's public appearances dwindled in recent years, though he took part in the pregame festivities at Busch during the 2011 postseason as the Cardinals won the World Series. Stan Musial won seven National League batting titles, was a three-time MVP and helped the Cardinals capture three World Series championships in the 1940s.

Louis was the most western outpost in the majors, and the Cardinals' vast radio network spread word about him in all directions.įarmers in the field and families on the porch would tune in, as did a future president - Bill Clinton recalled doing his homework listening to Musial's exploits. Humble, scandal-free, and eager to play every day, Musial struck a chord with fans throughout the Midwest and beyond. He enjoyed doing magic tricks for kids and was fond of pulling out a harmonica to entertain crowds with a favorite, 'The Wabash Cannonball.' Ol' 6 probably was the most popular, too, especially after Albert Pujols skipped town.Īt the suggestion of a pal, actor John Wayne, he carried around autographed cards of himself to give away. Widely considered the greatest Cardinals player ever, the outfielder and first baseman was the first person in team history to have his number retired. 331 with 475 home runs before retiring in 1963. It was a stroke of luck for him, as he went on to hit. He spent his entire 22-year career with the Cardinals and made the All-Star team 24 times - baseball held two All-Star games each summer for a few seasons.Ī pitcher in the low minors until he injured his arm, Musial turned to playing the outfield and first base. Louis, two statues of him stand outside Busch Stadium. Again, a true gentleman on and off the field - I never heard anybody say a bad word about him, ever.'

He was a true gentleman who understood the race thing and did all he could. He used to take care of me at All-Star games, 24 of them. 'It is a very sad day for me,' Willie Mays told ESPN's Willie Weinbaum of Outside The Lines at the Baseball Writers' Association of America dinner in New York. The team said Musial's son-in-law, Dave Edmonds, informed the club of Musial's death. They said he died Saturday evening at his home in Ladue surrounded by family.

The Cardinals announced Musial's death in a news release. Stan the Man won seven National League batting titles, was a three-time MVP and helped the Cardinals capture three World Series championships in the 1940s. Louis Cardinals for more than two decades, died Saturday. LOUIS - Stan Musial, one of baseball's greatest hitters and a Hall of Famer with the St.

Stan musial hall of fame