Happy Birthday to Stan Musial, A Powerful Symbol for St. Louis Today and in the Future

Stan Musial’s birthday is today. I am sure that it won’t pass unnoticed. One thing St. Louisans do extremely well is revere their heroes. Today does not just provide us with an opportunity to honor a legend; it also gives us a chance to think about what Stan Musial means for St. Louis. Musial’s career, and life, can function as a powerful symbol for St. Louis today, and St. Louis in the future.

Many have brought up St. Louis’ notable absence from the greater national narrative of revitalizing urban giants. Stan Musial, though widely considered to be one of the greatest ballplayers of all time by those who know a lot more about baseball than I do, is rarely mentioned in the “greatest” conversations. This oversight provides fans a great opportunity to rally around the Man, and to get worked up when inferior players with superior flash steal accolades that he deserves. To my knowledge Stan has never complained publicly about his lack of recognition. I’d like to think he doesn’t mind it at all.