Lil and Stan The Man
I had the great honor of meeting and working with Lil and Stan Musial a few years ago. You will not find two more down to earth, wonderful people.
For a few months, I trekked to their modest suburban home twice a week and spent time working with Lil. Stan was usually be around the house and enthusiastically kept us updated on the Cardinal game score that day. Let me tell you, Lil, never afraid to speak her mind, had some great stories about the journey from Donora, PA through a life in major league baseball. And like any good wife, she was quick to let her 24-time All-Star husband know that, at 80, he didn't need to be getting up on the roof anymore to clean the gutters.
Despite being in their early 80s, they still looked forward to making the journey to Florida every February for spring training. They made their children and grandchildren the focus of their time in St. Louis. Their house was a welcoming home, filled with wonderful pictures of Stan with many of the great players of the past, along with the many awards he had received throughout his career.
I could only smile as I parked behind Stan's car with the Cardinal license plate that had "3000" on it. What a thrill to meet one of the best athletes of the 20th century, and to know that he and his wife conducted themselves with dignity and humility in and out of the spotlight of professional sport. They are truly treasures of St. Louis.
For a few months, I trekked to their modest suburban home twice a week and spent time working with Lil. Stan was usually be around the house and enthusiastically kept us updated on the Cardinal game score that day. Let me tell you, Lil, never afraid to speak her mind, had some great stories about the journey from Donora, PA through a life in major league baseball. And like any good wife, she was quick to let her 24-time All-Star husband know that, at 80, he didn't need to be getting up on the roof anymore to clean the gutters.
Despite being in their early 80s, they still looked forward to making the journey to Florida every February for spring training. They made their children and grandchildren the focus of their time in St. Louis. Their house was a welcoming home, filled with wonderful pictures of Stan with many of the great players of the past, along with the many awards he had received throughout his career.
I could only smile as I parked behind Stan's car with the Cardinal license plate that had "3000" on it. What a thrill to meet one of the best athletes of the 20th century, and to know that he and his wife conducted themselves with dignity and humility in and out of the spotlight of professional sport. They are truly treasures of St. Louis.
Comments