Legislative Column for the Week of Monday, Jan. 21, 2013
Honoring a Missouri Legend: Stan Musial
“Achievement may not always produce character, but character always
produces achievement.”- Anonymous
Citizens of Missouri take great pride in their state and are proud to honor Missourians who become role models for our children and grandchildren. Last Saturday, Jan. 19, one of Missouri’s greatest champions — Stan “The Man” Musial — passed away at the age of 92 at his home in Ladue, Mo. He was a famous player for the St. Louis Cardinals and a baseball legend; his bust is located in the Hall of Famous Missourians. Even greater than his amazing career as a baseball player in Missouri, is the heritage of good character he left to his descendents and our state. On a daily basis, Stan Musial displayed the character qualities of integrity, determination, compassion, sensitivity, and generosity. He displayed incredible sportsmanship and just plain good manners. He bravely served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and is one of the best examples of an all-American hero.

This week, the Missouri Senate enthusiastically applauded a measure (SB 176) to designate the new I-70 bridge crossing the Mississippi River as the “Stan Musial Memorial Bridge.” The new bridge is slated to open to traffic in 2014. Dedicating the bridge to Stan Musial is one small way we can honor his character and accomplishments. Musial played for the St. Louis Cardinals his entire baseball career, from 1941 to 1963. Throughout his journey in baseball, he earned three National League “Most Valuable Player” awards and three World Series titles. He was also admitted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.

Stan Musial was known as a true gentleman, on the baseball field and off — he had never been ejected by an umpire. CNN noted that then-Major League Commissioner Ford Frick referred to Stan Musial as “baseball’s perfect warrior, baseball’s perfect knight.” He was known for his love and generosity to children. According to KSDK News, Stan Musial raised more than $4 million for Covenant House in North St. Louis. He was also known to visit children at the local hospital, bringing a smile to people’s faces by signing autographs and playing the harmonica.

Stan Musial’s life demonstrates that, although achievement doesn’t always produce character, character always produces achievement. I’m thankful that Stan Musial called the beautiful state of Missouri home, and I’m eternally grateful for the example he was to others. Today’s heroes are not always the best role models for our children, so we were blessed to have had such a gracious gentleman in our lives. He never failed to carry himself with dignity, and it’s an honor to join other legislators in remembering and honoring him. May we all strive for a legacy such as the one of Stan Musial.

I appreciate you reading this Legislative Report, and please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-2108 if you have any questions. Thank you and God bless.