With the Cardinals home opener yesterday, Busch Stadium was filled to see the reigning World Series Champions take the field for the first time in the city of St. Louis. But seeing the Cardinals play isn't necessarily the highlight of the home opener. The main show is the Opening Ceremonies which include the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Hall of Famers dressed in their ever so classy Red Jackets. However, when the greatest Cardinal of them all, Stan Musial, took the field riding on a golf cart with his grandson, all of Cardinals Nation put out an extra little cheer. What Stan Musial means to the St. Louis Cardinals Franchise cannot be expressed in words.
During Mike Matheny's Press Conference being introduced as the Cardinals manager, he stated that "The Cardinal way is tradition, history, and respect.." Stan Musial exemplifies every one of those characteristics. The tradition of him being at Opening Day has been a staple in St. Louis for over 40 years. His history goes without saying. Musial's .331 Batting Average ranks among the top all time and the fact that he had the same number of hits (1,815) on the road as he did on the road speaks volumes on how consistent of a baseball player he was. In his 22 year career, he played in 24 All Star Games as well as being a three time World Series Champion. Respect. A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. I will say this and will argue this with anyone. Stan Musial is the most respectable baseball player to ever put on a baseball uniform. Every day he gave everything he had and showed astounding character in doing so. Even while serving in the Second Great War, Musial was still able to put together one of the greatest baseball careers ever. Stan Musial exemplifies the three characteristics that are the Cardinal franchise in an outstanding fashion.
Cardinals Nation LOVES Stan Musial. And they should. Stan "The Man" Musial means more to the Cardinals organization than any player will ever mean to any franchise. As Stan gets older, the amount of his public showings get shorter and shorter. That's why we must cherish the opportunity for the chance to see one of the best men in history. Cherish the chance to see Stan show off that corkscrew batting stance that made him such a great hitter. Cherish the chance to see him make 47,000 Cardinals fans rise to their feet knowing they are in the prescence of a hero. Cherish the tears you shed when you see him. Just remember how great the life of Stan Musial has been and resemble the life he lived. Treat others with the respect they deserve and give them the chance to remember something forever. The legend of Stan Musial goes beyond the baseball field. It takes more than talent to be a successful ballplayer. One must have strong character and strong demeanor. Stan has that. The Presidential Medal of Freedom only added to the greatness of a boy from Donora, Pennsylvania. Remember Stan Musial for more than who he was on the baseball field. Stan Musial. More than a name. A hero. A legend. Stan Musial is Cardinals Baseball and Cardinals Nation needs to take advantage of having such a prestigious man in the history of their organiztion.
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