Sunday 20 January 2013

Photos: A look back at Stan Musial’s incredible life and career

The world lost one of its greatest men, and the game of baseball lost an icon, a warrior and its perfect knight on Saturday when Stan Musial passed away at age 92.

He was a remarkable man who lived an incredible life. And though he is now gone, we’re very thankful that the moments and memories he created, and milestones he reached will continue to live on thanks to the people who have worked hard to preserve them over the years. That includes through the writing and saving of newspaper articles, and also photos, which is what we’d like to share with you right now.

Here’s a look back at Stan “The Man” Musial, though the years.

Rookies Erwin Susak, left, and Stan Musial don the St. Louis Cardinals uniform for the first time on Sept. 16, 1941.

Musial with teammates Ray Sanders, left, and Enos Slaughter, center, prior to his first full season with the Cardinals in 1942.

Musial with his wife, Lillian, at their home in Donora, Penn in 1943. The amazing couple were married on May 25, 1940 and remained together for nearly 72 years. Lillian passed away on May 3. 2012.

A man of many talents, Musial plays the flute for teammates in 1944.

Musial during his pre-induction physical on Jan. 19, 1945. Musial would miss the entire season to serve with the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Musial swings for the fences at Shibe Park in Phidelphia on May 22, 1946. Musial would go on to .346 with 86 extra basehits in his return season, earning his second National League MVP.

Musial after hitting for the cycle at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn on July 25, 1949.

In 1949, Musial and business partner Julius "Biggie" Garagnani opened "Stan Musial & Biggie's" restaurant in St. Louis. In this 1951 photo, Musial enjoy a plate of spaghetti made by Chef Marie Ravetta.

Musial meets with new Cardinals owner August Busch Jr. for the first time on March 13, 1953 in St. Petersburgh, Fla. Also pictured Manager Eddie Stanky, Enos Slaughter and Red Schoendienst.

Musial poses with the bat used for career hit No. 3,000 on June 3, 1955.

On June 13, 1957, Musial broke the National League record for consecutive games played at 823. His streak would end two months later at 895 games, which currently stands at the 8th longest streak in MLB history.

Musial with Willie Mays in 1958.

Musial with his daugher, Jean, in 1960.

Stan "The Man" Musial takes off his uniform for the final time as an active player. Sept. 29, 1963.

Musial address fans outside Busch Memorial Stadium on Sunday, August 5 after the Cardinals unveiled a statue in his honor. His wife, Lil, and mother, Mary were also in attendance.

Musial presents newly crowned home run king Hank Aaron with a plague at Busch Stadium on April 30, 1974.

Musial and fellow Hall of Famer and Cardinals legend Bob Gibson pose with cast models of statues that were erected in their honor in 1998.

As became tradition at the Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony, Musial plays "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" on his harmonica in 2002.

Musial showed us how that sweet stance and swing looked one more back in 2006.

Looking for more baseball chatter?
Follow @bigleaguestew, @Townie813 and check out the BLS Facebook Page



No comments:

Post a Comment