Aug. 16, 1962 - Stan Musial will be honored tomorrow night at the Polo Grounds before the game between the Cardinals and the Mets. A crowd of 30,000 is expected. The 41-year-old Musial has made a legion of friends on and off the diamond during his 21 seasons in the National League. Many of them will be present to pay homage to the star tomorrow night. Others, including President Kennedy, will send congratulatory messages or gifts. According to legend, Musial was dubbed “Stan the Man” by shuddering Brooklyn fans several years ago when he was harassing the Dodgers at Ebbets Field. He was equally hard on the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds. He has not changed his policy. Against the Mets on July 8, he slammed 3 consecutive homers in leading the Cards to a 15-1 triumph. He has captured 7 National League batting titles, won the MVP award 3 times, and gained berths on 19 All-Star teams. He holds more than 40 league records and several major league marks. What amazes people who know ballplayers is that despite the pressures and demands that have been made on Musial, he has remained as modest and even-tempered as he was when he joined the Cards in 1941. Stan Musial Night was inspired by the fact that the Cardinals’ weekend series at the Polo Grounds would be their last of the season and perhaps Musial’s last visit to New York as an active player.
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