The passing of baseball legend Stanley Frank Musial, one of the most respected players in the Major Leagues, brought back many memories of the man who was my idol as I grew up. I became a Saint Louis Cardinal fan in 1944 when “Stan the Man” was in the early years of his 22-year career. As I grew older I was able to drive to Ebbets Field in Brooklyn with friends to see the Dodgers play the Cardinals. I did the same at the Polo grounds in New York when the Giants hosted the redbirds.
At every game that I attended at those two parks, Stan Musial hit a home run and more. His accomplishments and records of his long career speaks for itself. I have old newspaper clippings from the New Haven Register sports page with Musial in the headlines.
Some years ago “Stan the Man” was a guest at a baseball card show held at the University of New Haven. I can still see him as he was escorted to the autograph signing table. Standing only a few feet away from him, he stopped and said “we have business to take care of before we start.” He took out his harmonica and we all sang along to “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.” At age 92, we have lost another of America’s greatest generation.
Edward F. Flynn Jr.
New Haven