This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, March 18, 2013 - The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most storied franchises in all of baseball and their accomplishments are among the best in the Major Leagues. With 11 World Series titles, 18 National League Pennants and the likes of Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and Red Schoendienst, the Cardinals have always been a world-class organization.
But perhaps out of all the accomplishments, accolades and Hall of Famers, Cardinals Nation can feel the most pride about the greatest Cardinal and one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Stan Musial.
Stan the Man’s career numbers are astounding: 3,630 hits, 475 home runs, 1,951 runs batted in, three World Series titles, he was named the National League’s Most Valuable player three times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.
But his greatness goes far beyond just baseball statistics.
As a patriot Stan served in the Navy in WW II while in the prime of his baseball career. As an individual Stan will be remembered as kind, modest, generous and approachable. As an ambassador Stan meant more to the game of baseball and St. Louis than he was ever willing to take credit for.
As Hank Aaron, Hall of Famer and one of the greatest players of all time, said, “I didn’t just like Stan Musial; I wanted to be like Stan Musial.”
Last week, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation to name the new I-70 Mississippi River bridge the “Stan Musial Memorial Bridge,” and now it’s time for the House to do the same.
On Jan. 28, I introduced similar legislation, HR 420, in the House with Reps. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) and pledge to work tirelessly to see this bill signed into law.
The example set by Stan Musial, the veteran, citizen and athlete is adored by many, and it would serve Congress well to lead by this same example as we tackle the major challenges facing our country.
No single act or declaration could ever appropriately honor Stan Musial, but with this small token we can ensure that his life and legacy is carried on for future generations of baseball fans as they travel from Illinois and the Metro-East to Busch Stadium on the new I-70 bridge.
Rodney Davis, R-Ill., lives in Champaign and represents the 13th congressional district.