Musial's Health Not Good

[hellborn]

From an AP story...
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'The St. Louis Cardinals dedicated Stan Musial Drive on Sunday, renaming the street in front of Busch Stadium in honor of the franchise's greatest player.

Musial, 87, has been in ill health and arrived at the pre-game dedication ceremony in a golf cart wearing a red jacket and Cardinals cap while his wife, Lillian, sat in a wheelchair. He felt well enough to make a few remarks, thanking the team's owners and "the greatest fans around" and also joked that the reason for the golf cart was too much wear and tear on his legs from running the bases so much.

"The other thing I wanted to say is the reason I have a bad knee, I hit too many triples," Musial joked.'
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I hope very much that Stan will be feeling better soon! The man is 87, though, and we should appreciate him as long as he is with us.
I think that it would be wonderful if tribute could be paid to Stan somehow at the WS or All Star Game this year. I wonder if he'd be able to throw out a first pitch...maybe ARod and Pujols could help him out, like McGwire and Gwynn did for Splinter. The Man deserves a moment like that, too.

[KCGHOST]

I think we should be grateful Stan could make it to the game. It would be nice if MLB would do a big thing for him at the ASG like they did for Ted Williams.

[John Shoemaker]

I can't think of a better player to honor. Let's hope baseball is smart enough to do it.

[metfan13]

I can't think of a better player to honor. Let's hope baseball is smart enough to do it.

The game's at Yankee Stadium this year. Better chance they may honor someone like Yogi Berra.

[redlegsfan21]

The game's at Yankee Stadium this year. Better chance they may honor someone like Yogi Berra.

But MLB gets the final say since the game does belong to them and not to the Yankees. I believe that the 2009 game is in St. Louis so if Musial can hold on for another year and 2 months, it will happen.

[metfan13]

But MLB gets the final say since the game does belong to them and not to the Yankees. I believe that the 2009 game is in St. Louis so if Musial can hold on for another year and 2 months, it will happen.

How about a trade? Musial this year and Yogi in St. Louis next year? Yogi was born and raised in St. Louis.

[hellborn]

The game's at Yankee Stadium this year. Better chance they may honor someone like Yogi Berra.

Yeah, that definitely makes the ASB less appealing for Stan. Who knows if he'd even want to travel to NYC, or wherever the WS will be played. I'd love to see him in 2009 if the ASG is in StL. But, I'd just hate to see everybody remembering what a fine man and ballplayer he was right after he's gone, instead of honoring him when he's alive.
I do hope that Yogi gets some love at the ASG...sad thing is, nobody would go to the game, because it would be too crowded.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Musial is scheduled to sign autographs in Fort Lauderdale in a month.

Baseball's perfect knight deserves this honor and to be honored by MLB in a setting like the ASG or world series.

[Mattingly]

I think we should be grateful Stan could make it to the game. It would be nice if MLB would do a big thing for him at the ASG like they did for Ted Williams.
The game's at Yankee Stadium this year. Better chance they may honor someone like Yogi Berra.
They were both legendary players. Even though Ted Wiliams' fete was in 1999 at Fenway, I could see MLB honoring both men. Yogi's in good health, from what I've heard, but when you have a chance to honor a great like Stan the Man, may as well do so while he's still thankfully (knock on wood) amongst us. I wouldn't mind that at all. In fact, I'd fully endorse it. :)

[Mattingly]

But MLB gets the final say since the game does belong to them and not to the Yankees. I believe that the 2009 game is in St. Louis so if Musial can hold on for another year and 2 months, it will happen.
That's the very sad thing, which I don't even like bringing up. I do hope that Stan can hang on, but why waste the opportunity when he can still even hobble around to accept the Standing O that he's so very deserving of?

[StanTheMan]

Musial threw out the first pitch at Game 5 (clinching game) of the 2006 World Series. The ovation was incredible.... he used a Golf Cart again, and then threw the ball pretty hard for an old fellow. He nearly fell over!!

Not from the mound, but more of a toss from halfway down the first base line back towards the plate.

I was in the right field bleachers with my 12 year old son... and thinking about the roar STILL gives me goose bumps.

Baseball's Perfect Knight Indeed.....

[Mattingly]

Consider me a newbie, green or whatever, but how did Musial get the "Perfect Knight" thing? I've seen it here twice, and both of you folks know your stuff. Any story behind this?

Thanks. :)

[bleacherbum73]

Consider me a newbie, green or whatever, but how did Musial get the "Perfect Knight" thing? I've seen it here twice, and both of you folks know your stuff. Any story behind this?

Thanks. :)

"Here stands baseball's perfect knight, here stands baseball's perfect warrior" That phrase was uttered by Commissioner Ford C. Frick and I think were said on Stan's last game in 1963. Those words are also inscribed on the Musial statue outside Busch Stadium.

[StanTheMan]

Actually, the inscription (and the quote) is the reverse.... It is

"Here stands baseball's perfect warrior, here stands baseball's perfect knight." It was indeed attributed to Commissioner Ford Frick.

The Musial Statue has been a meeting place for Cardinal baseball fans for generations.... If you were going to the game with others in a separate car, had to pick up tickets from them, etc.... you simple said. "I'll meet you at Stan The Man" and everyone knew what you were talking about.

My favorite Musial statistic is that he had both 1,815 hits at home and 1,815 hits on the road.

The statue, at night... current location, main entrance at Busch Stadium

42872


Taken from inside the park, looking out over the top of the statue.

42873


Stan the Man before throwing out the first pitch, Game 5 2006 World Series

42875


Stans' HOF plaque

42874

[bleacherbum73]

Actually, the inscription (and the quote) is the reverse.... It is

"Here stands baseball's perfect warrior, here stands baseball's perfect knight." It was indeed attributed to Commissioner Ford Frick.

The Musial Statue has been a meeting place for Cardinal baseball fans for generations.... If you were going to the game with others in a separate car, had to pick up tickets from them, etc.... you simple said. "I'll meet you at Stan The Man" and everyone knew what you were talking about.

My favorite Musial statistic is that he had both 1,315 hits at home and 1,315 hits on the road.

The statue, at night... current location, main entrance at Busch Stadium

42872


Taken from inside the park, looking out over the top of the statue.

42873


Stan the Man before throwing out the first pitch, Game 5 2006 World Series

42875


Stans' HOF plaque

42874

Thanks for the correction Stan. You would think I would remember that phrase since I've only walked by that statue probably a 1000 times.I was at Stan Musial Day this past Sun. I have season tickets in the right rield bleachers. Been to every game this year except 2 so far. I hope I'm wrong but that may have been one of the last times we see Stan at the park. And i'm glad he got a huge, roaring ovation as he rode around the park. I almost had tears in my eye. Unfortunatly I never saw him play as i am 35 and he had been retired nearly 10 years by the time i was born.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Yeah, that definitely makes the ASB less appealing for Stan. Who knows if he'd even want to travel to NYC, or wherever the WS will be played. I'd love to see him in 2009 if the ASG is in StL. But, I'd just hate to see everybody remembering what a fine man and ballplayer he was right after he's gone, instead of honoring him when he's alive.
I do hope that Yogi gets some love at the ASG...sad thing is, nobody would go to the game, because it would be too crowded.

I can't imagine the Yankees saying no if a proposal is made and Stan's condition permits it.

What a player, what a man.................CLASS on and off the field and one hell of a hitter.

[Mattingly]

Thanks, bleacherbum and StanTheMan. I appreciate the added info. :)

[keystone]

Thanks for all the photos and the information. I knew he was feeling poorly, but has there been some sort of incident to cause concern, other than old age?

After all the big hoo-hah for Ted Williams, I sure do hope MLB spotlights this honorable man and helluva ballplayer before it's too late. I remember after Ted's passing, Gammons et. al. were discussing who the greatest living ballplayer was at that time. No one mentioned Stan. They all decided on Willie Mays.

Not a chance that Stan gets honored in Yankee stadium at the ASG. One day he'll be gone, and MLB will hustle around putting something together. But Stan won't be there.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Thanks for all the photos and the information. I knew he was feeling poorly, but has there been some sort of incident to cause concern, other than old age?

After all the big hoo-hah for Ted Williams, I sure do hope MLB spotlights this honorable man and helluva ballplayer before it's too late. I remember after Ted's passing, Gammons et. al. were discussing who the greatest living ballplayer was at that time. No one mentioned Stan. They all decided on Willie Mays.

Not a chance that Stan gets honored in Yankee stadium at the ASG. One day he'll be gone, and MLB will hustle around putting something together. But Stan won't be there.

What leads you to believe, no chance. Because MLB won't go for it, because the Yanks won't go for it. Or because they just won't think about doing it.

That I would love to see, one of the greatest players, one of the nicest and a guy that often doesn't get his due. Correct me if wrong but I don't believe he was voted (by the fans) as a member on the All Time Team. I realize it was the fans voting but come on, could they know that little about this guy.

[metfan13]

What leads you to believe, no chance. Because MLB won't go for it, because the Yanks won't go for it. Or because they just won't think about doing it.

That I would love to see, one of the greatest players, one of the nicest and a guy that often doesn't get his due. Correct me if wrong but I don't believe he was voted (by the fans) as a member on the All Time Team. I realize it was the fans voting but come on, could they know that little about this guy.

Maybe Stan has missed out on some of his due from those who don't follow baseball as closely as most on this board, but on the other hand he probably won't complain.

It's one thing to go through life being called one of the best baseball players ever, it's another to go through life almost always having the words nicest, classiest, kindest follow your name. I think Stan wins on this one.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Maybe Stan has missed out on some of his due from those who don't follow baseball as closely as most on this board, but on the other hand he probably won't complain.

It's one thing to go through life being called one of the best baseball players ever, it's another to go through life almost always having the words nicest, classiest, kindest follow your name. I think Stan wins on this one.

For sure, met Stan at a card show in Buffalo many years ago. Nothing phony about this guy, you coud tell he's the real thing no act he is a great guy.

He and Duke Snider stood in the parking lot talking to a bunch of us for a good 20 minutes, I didn't want it to end.

[keystone]

I just don't think he gets the media coverage that the East Coast players have received. Sure, we all know what kind of a guy he is, but it's not general knowledge. And I can't see him stealing the thunder from the Yankees at the ASG. That will be about their history.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I just don't think he gets the media coverage that the East Coast players have received. Sure, we all know what kind of a guy he is, but it's not general knowledge. And I can't see him stealing the thunder from the Yankees at the ASG. That will be about their history.

I think that's the key here. It's not so much Musial isn't deserving of this, but there is a reason the game is at Yankee Stadium. I'm sure a lot of planning is going into highlighting the history there. Musial well deserves his day, but the ASG is already reserved. It could be shared, sure, but both Musial and Yankee Stadium deserve their own day, not one to be shared.

[keystone]

Agreed, Cold Nose, The Cards have done a lot for Musial over his lifetime. I would just like to see him recognized by the entire baseball community before it's too late. The timing has to be right...

[StanTheMan]

Musial would never allow any ceremony honoring him or his career to take place at the last All Star Game during the final season at Yankee Stadium... regardless of how the Yankees or MLB felt about it.

He'd want that day reserved for the Yankees and their magnificent stadium.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

I think that's the key here. It's not so much Musial isn't deserving of this, but there is a reason the game is at Yankee Stadium. I'm sure a lot of planning is going into highlighting the history there. Musial well deserves his day, but the ASG is already reserved. It could be shared, sure, but both Musial and Yankee Stadium deserve their own day, not one to be shared.

What could be better then the team he played for giving him his day, in the city he played for St. Louis. I don't know the specifics of his health but he's still here and who knows what the near future holds.

On top of that, wouldn't Stan rather have this day in St. Louis. This guy certainly deserves to have his day. Never heard a bad word about this guy, from any where, all class and one of the best.

[metfan13]

What could be better then the team he played for giving him his day, in the city he played for St. Louis. I don't know the specifics of his health but he's still here and who knows what the near future holds.

On top of that, wouldn't Stan rather have this day in St. Louis. This guy certainly deserves to have his day. Never heard a bad word about this guy, from any where, all class and one of the best.

All well and good, and yes St. Louis would be perfect, but the thread started by mentioning he's in poor health. At his age that changes perspective a little.

[keystone]

Absolutely! I'm not thinking ASG, I'm thinking something else, but I can't figure out what the something else is... :laugh

[StanTheMan]

For sure, met Stan at a card show in Buffalo many years ago. Nothing phony about this guy, you coud tell he's the real thing no act he is a great guy.

He and Duke Snider stood in the parking lot talking to a bunch of us for a good 20 minutes, I didn't want it to end.

I can easily see Musial hanging around to talk to an average Joe fan.... he is like that. A high school buddy of mine (who was a college ballplayer and later an ump that made it all the was to AAA ball) was at Cooperstown with his folks back in the 80's. Musial and some other HOF'er were there for some event, and they come walking in to the restaurant that my buddy and his parents were eating at. The place stops as the legends get seated. My buddy's father about sh1ts down both pant legs with excitement. "That's Stan the Man! Stan the Man!" he could not beleive it and was stammering like a little kid. Growing up in the midwest, he knew all about Musial, as he was about 10 when Stan was in his prime. He tells his son (who knows who Musial is as well) to go get an autograph.

So my buddy goes over, and asks Musial. Musial promptly pulls out a chair and tells him to sit down.... asks him where he's from.... does he play ball.... etc. My buddy tells Musial that its' his fathers Birthday, and they are enjoying the HOF. blah blah blah. The father is about in tears, watching with the biggest grin possible on a human beings' face as his own son sits down at Musial's table for about 5 minutes. Stan eventually gets around to signing his ball, and sends my buddy back to his family.

Musial and his group finish their lunch before my buddy and his familiy do, and instead of leaving, Musial walks over to their table. The father is stammerring all over again, and can barely extend his hand to shake Stan The Man's hand, such is his excitement.

Musial pulls out his HARMONICA, and proceeds to play Happy Birthday to You for the father. After the tune, Stan waves and walks out.....

The family finishes their meal, one they will remember for the rest of their lives (I'm proof of that, having heard the story about a dozen times)... and they ask their waitress for their check. The waitress says....

"Sir....... Mr. Musial took care of it. Have a nice day!"

Long Live Stanley Frank Musial!!!!!!!!!!!

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[keystone]

Oh, man. That is such a *great* story, and exemplifies the heart & soul of this humble man.

Thanks for posting it. STM.

[steve rogers]

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

Scott

[hellborn]

I can easily see Musial hanging around to talk to an average Joe fan.... he is like that.
...
Long Live Stanley Frank Musial!!!!!!!!!!!



I cannot believe that I missed this story when it was posted. I am SO glad that I looked up this thread again and saw it.
Will there ever be another like him?? Don't you just wish he was your uncle?

[keystone]

Well, I'm too old for him to be my uncle, but I'd take him as a much older brother any day. I just love the guy.