Honoring Stan the Man

We had the privilege of going to the Cardinals game tonight where they honored Stan “The Man” Musial. As soon as we got off the train, we noticed tributes to Stan.

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The Gateway Harmonica Club, of which Stan was a member, was in attendance. They played outside the stadium as the gates were opening, and then played inside before the game. I was shocked to see that there are so many different types of harmonicas!

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The most noticeable tribute inside Busch Stadium itself was the giant “6” in the outfield.

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The outfield fence has a replica of the patch the Cardinals players are wearing in Stan’s memory this season, as well.

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There were other mentions of Stan around the park and in the Team Store…

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But the most meaningful of all were the tributes by the military. A B-25 flyover:

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And a group of sailors unveiling an additional to the Musial statue outside the ballpark. If you didn’t shed a tear when they saluted, I seriously think you might be lacking a soul!

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Stan’s grandchildren threw out the first pitch(es). They were led out to the mound by Stan’s longtime friend, Red Schoendienst, which seemed fitting.

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It was also harmonica night.

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During the sixth inning (of course), the fans were encouraged to pull out their harmonicas, and play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” along with an old video of Stan playing on his own harmonica.

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It was a beautiful and fitting way to honor the greatest Cardinal to ever wear the uniform!

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