stan musial:Legendary BaLLpLayer,

extraordinary american

On Oct. 20, 1963, Stan Musial, the National League’s career hits leader, listened to tributes from the greats of baseball

and American public service at a dinner in his honor that took place about a month after he retired from playing. Missouri Sen. Stuart S. Symington described Musial in the Senate as “an inspiration to every American who respects the priceless combination of character and ability,” and he read a letter at the dinner to Musial from President John F. Kennedy, for whom Stan had campaigned in 1960. It was one of the president’s last letters. Thirty-three days later, Mr. Ken-nedy was assassinated.

One of President Kennedy’s accomplishments in his thousand days in office was the establishment in 1963 of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. Kennedy may have been thinking of people like Musial when he decided upon the qualifications for earning America’s highest civilian award. The medal’s Internet site lists five ways in which a person may earn the honor. It says the medal is “re-served for individuals the President deems to have made especially (1) meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to (2) world peace, or to (3) cultural or (4) other significant public or private endeavors ... It is generally conferred only for (5) a lifetime of service.” In the judgment of the President, honorees must fulfill at least one requirement.

During his life of 88 years and counting, we submit that Stanley Frank Musial has gone 5-for-5, fulfilling all requirements in his lifetime of service. A few highlights follow, but for the sake of read-ability, the qualifications are noted out of order from the way the text reads above.

“ meritorious contributions to ... significant public or private endeavors”

Stan Musial’s baseball accomplishments alone qualify as a signifi-cant public endeavor worthy of the medal. He compiled a .331 aver-age, 3,630 hits, and he held 17 major-league records, 29 National League records, and nine All-Star Game records, all while playing 22 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, the team with the second-most World Series championships in baseball. Sports Illustrated named him “Sportsman of the Year” in 1957, and The Sporting News named him “Player of the Decade” for the years 1946 through 1956.

In an almost incredible achievement, in his 3,026 regular-season games, 23 World Series contests, numerous exhibition games and 24 All-Star Games, umpires never ejected him. That speaks volumes about Stan’s self-discipline and sportsmanship, two traits that Americans treasure. He was inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1969, the first year he was eligible, and he is on the All-Century Team. Based solely on his baseball exploits, Stan can stand right be-side other superstars from his era who earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.

It is significant that both the charismatic Williams and DiMaggio played on the media-rich East Coast. Musial, an unassuming gentle-man who was on the shy side early in his career, played exclusively for St. Louis, the westernmost outpost of the majors until the Dodgers and Giants moved West in 1958, as Musial approached the twilight of his career.

Despite the 100-plus stations on the Cardinals radio network in the South and West, Musial had to elbow his way into the national

limelight. He won seven batting titles and three Most Valuable Player awards, and he led the Cardinals to four pennants and two World Series championships in the 1940s, before television.

If records were kept for signers of free autographs, Stan Musial would be the world champ. His love for children, spawned by the love his mother and father gave freely to him, was legendary. Following game after game, he’d stand in his street clothes by his car outside the park and sign until kids of all ages were satisfied. He’d sign during a meal, while hauling suitcases or after a scorcher of a doubleheader.

One night in the early 1960s, Stan attended a basketball game at Concordia Seminary in Clayton, Missouri. (A fine hoops player in high school in his hometown of Donora, Pennsylvania, Stan attracted his wife of 68 years, Lillian Labash. “I thought he looked great in his uniform,” she said.) On that evening at the seminary, he didn’t watch much basketball. Fans noticed who was perched on an end seat on the floor, they lined up, and Stan signed with a smile throughout the game.

For perspective, Stan played 3,026 regular-season big-league games. Let’s say he signed for 30 minutes just after every game—a conservative number because he signed everywhere. That’s 1,513 hours, or more than 63 full days! And that doesn’t take into account autographs from his time in the minor leagues, or the free signatures he has given since his retirement from action in 1963.

Privately, ballplayer Stan would quietly enter children’s hospitals on the road. He “didn’t want publicity for it, and he didn’t do it to seek recognition or humanitarian awards,” said his pal, Red Schoe-ndienst. “He just did it because he thought it was the right thing to do, and he enjoyed making other people happy.”

In retirement, he has continued doing the right thing by helping children and adults, also in a low-key manner. His civic endeav-ors have included chairing the Crippled Children’s Society of St. Louis, and he has served on the boards of directors of the USO, the Urological Research Foundation, and Shelter for Children. Not

surprisingly (except to Stan), ballfields are named for him in North America and in Poland.

“If I had to pick the man who is most typical of the things base-ball stands for ... as an individual, performer, citizen and good guy – my candidate would be Stan Musial,” said the eloquent commis-sioner of baseball during much of Stan’s career, Ford Frick.

“ meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the united states”

By just being Stan Musial, he has contributed mightily to America’s “pursuit of happiness,” an inalienable right that Thomas Jefferson inscribed in the Declaration of Independence. Happiness is not trivial, especially in hard times. When Musial is around, you’ll find joy, affection and excellence. In this time of financial recession, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and unrest dotting our world, role model Stan Musial is living proof that you can come out the other side of a Depression and a world war and be happy. Citizens can look at pictures and film of Stan the smiling man at various stages of his life and remember that we have made it through crises before, and we can do it again. The hope, mirth and confidence he projects continue to contribute greatly to our security and interests.

Like many big leaguers, Stan was in the military in World War II, serving in the Navy for one year, 1945. Unlike many players, prior to joining the service he took part in a grueling USO tour that required him and his companions to trek through a blizzard on a mountain. He came home after the war stronger and better able to slug home runs. His year in the Navy may have cost him a shot at 500 home runs, but 475 was just fine with Stan.

In 1964, the year after he stopped playing, his exemplary hope, charity and clean living led President Lyndon B. Johnson to name him chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. From ’64 until he became general manager of the Cardinals during their world-championship season of 1967, Musial’s support of fitness inspired millions to get in shape and stay that way.

While serving the President, he worked for the Cardinals and made sure his own businesses prospered. But when a key business partner passed away, he decided to turn his attention back home, another example of how this man showed others how to keep priori-ties in order. And he did so by just being Stan Musial.

“ meritorious contributions to world peace”In addition to his military service, USO efforts, and fitness promo-

tion for President Johnson and the United States, Musial – a living symbol of freedom – did his part to hasten the end of the Cold War.

In the 1970s – long before President Ronald Reagan’s “tear down this wall” directive from Berlin to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev – Stan Musial began visiting his father’s homeland, Poland, becom-ing an unofficial American emissary to the Soviet-controlled nation. In 1987, Musial, wife Lil and retired pitcher Moe Drabowsky traveled the birth nation of Lukasz Musial to cheering crowds. Drabowsky – best-known for giving up Musial’s 3,000th hit in 1958 – openly broke Soviet rules and snapped photos.

Also in the late 1980s, Stan – at his own expense and without fanfare – sent thousands of dollars worth of baseball equipment to Kutno, Poland.

The gifts of bats, gloves, balls and catchers equipment helped Stan and Little League Baseball of Williamsport, Pa. (Stan’s home state), promote baseball. The equipment also showed Polish kids how youngsters in our democracy get in physical shape, learn to play together, share, and have fun. Stan deliv-ered to the Polish people a heaping helping of America.

In addition, while in Poland, Mr. and Mrs. Musial came to know a different kind of Cardinal, who one day would lead the world’s Ro-man Catholics. Serendipitously, in 1999, when the Musials’ friend, Karol Wojtyla visited St. Louis as Pope John Paul II, Stan was an honorary co-chair.

Stan’s love of Poland’s people showed the world that brotherhood knows no borders. Ed Mickelson, who batted just 37 times in the majors, said teammate Musial reassured him that all players get the jitters. Years later, Mickelson said, “He treated me like the Pope.” Odds are, Stan treated the Pope like Ed Mickelson.

what about “meritorious contributions to cultural endeavors?”

Not surprisingly, Stan is a big supporter of just about everything major, including the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. During some concerts, Stan The Harmonica Man would join the world-renowned ensemble and its colorful pops conductor, Richard Hay-man, and perform in concert. By his own participation, Stan Musial showed St. Louis and America that classical music is entertaining and fun, and that the gifted members of the St. Louis orchestra are good sports, too.

the man’s continuous “lifetime of service”

From ballparks, to communist countries, naval shipyards, the Pennsylvania coal mines, the White House, and capitals worldwide, a regular Joe originally named Stanislaw Franciszek Musial has changed our world for the better, earned legendary names, and won honors of all kinds that he never asked to receive.

g Ford Frick said the man who wore No. 6 was “baseball’s perfect knight,” a quote engraved on the foundation of the larger-than-life-size bronze statue of Musial outside Busch Stadium III in St. Louis.

g Brooklyn moaned, “Here comes ‘The Man,’” because he tattooed the Ebbets Field walls with line drives. Those baseball-savvy fans respected Musial and demonstrated uncanny foresight by giving him that nickname. Stan, the ballplayer, and Stan, the man, gave meritorious service everywhere.

g “Stashu,” as his father called him, belongs to Halls of Fame the world over: the Major League Hall of Fame, the Polish National Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, and he was awarded Poland’s highest civilian honor, the Cavalier’s Cross Order of Merit.

Today, wherever he goes, people stand and cheer, including during an emotional Opening Day in 2009.

We humbly submit that now is the time to place The Man in his home country’s Hall of Fame by presenting him with the highest honor awarded to a civilian of the United States of America: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Stanley Frank Musial, America’s perfect knight, has earned it.

Stanley Frank Musial wore No. 6, the first number retired by the Cardinals franchise. Upon his retirement on Sept. 29, 1963,

Musial held 17 major league records, 29 National League marks and nine All-Star Game records. His career highlights include:

g Ranked first in National League history in hits (3,630) and second in homers (475) when he retired.

g Batted .331 in his career, won seven National League batting titles and led the league in hits six times

g Never ejected in 3,026 regular-season games

g Member of the the Cardinals’ World Series championship clubs in 1942, 1944 and 1946, and a pennant-winner in 1943

g Cardinals general manager for one season, when they beat Boston in the 1967 World Series

g Business and civic leader, chairman of the Crippled Children’s Society of St. Louis for 20 years, member of numerous boards of directors, including Boy Scouts, USO, Senior Olympics, St. Louis Muscular Dystrophy Association, St. Louis Diabetic Association and Southwest Bank

records still standing, 46 years after his retirement

g Played in a record 24 consecutive All-Star Games and hit an All-Star record six home runs.

g Set a National League record for most years (17) and most con-secutive years (16) batting .300 or better (50 or more games).

g His 22 years as a Cardinal, covering 3,026 games, established an N.L. record for most seasons with one club.

g Established major league records for most seasons leading his league in doubles (eight) and in extra-base hits (seven).

g Holds National League marks for most seasons leading the league in runs scored (five), in triples (five) and in fewest strikeouts (four).

g Hit five home runs in a May 2, 1954, doubleheader vs. the New York Giants, setting the major league mark for most homers in a twin-bill.

cardinals franchise leaderGames (3,026), at-bats (10,972), runs scored (1,949), hits (3,630), doubles (725), triples (177), home runs (475), runs batted in (1,951), extra-base hits (1,377), walks (1,599), total bases (6,134)

stan musial:Legendary BaLLpLayer,

extraordinary american

awards

1943, 1946, 1948: Most Valuable Player in the National League

1946, 1951: Major League Player of the Year from The Sporting News

1950s: Player of the Decade from The Sporting News

1957: Sportsman of the Year from Sports Illustrated

1957: Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, given to players who best exemplify Gehrig’s character

1961: Best player of the last 15 years from Sport Magazine

1962: Comeback Player of the Year, when he hit .330 at age 41, finishing third in batting average

recognition

1964: Named chairman, President’s Council on Physical Fitness by President Lyndon B. Johnson

1968: Larger-than-life-size bronze statue of Stan The Man un-veiled outside Busch Stadium

1969: Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving 93.2 percent of the vote – the third-highest percentage after the Hall’s inaugural class was enshrined in 1936.

1999: Cavalier Cross of the Order of Merit, the Polish government’s highest civilian award

PLUS: He is a member of baseball’s All-Century Team, the Polish National Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame and sports halls of fame in Missouri and St. Louis.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

SALUTES

STAN MUSIAL

AT THE 2009 ALL-STAR GAME.