Luvofthegame
09-28-2006, 01:42 PM
Redbirds legend tops sea of Hall of Fame-worthy candidates
By Matthew Leach
MLB.com
9/27/06
The man universally acclaimed as the greatest Cardinal of them all has again been recognized as such. Stan Musial was named the Cardinals' winner of the DHL Presents Major League Baseball Hometown Heroes on Wednesday night. In balloting conducted online at MLB.com as well as at Busch Stadium and other Major League ballparks, Musial outdistanced a stellar group of nominees.
Also on the ballot for St. Louis were three other Hall of Famers -- Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith -- and one likely Hall of Famer-to-be (Albert Pujols). But there was little doubt that Musial would again be "The Man," even against such stiff competition.
Musial garnered more than 400,000 votes, making him one of five winners thus far announced to have reached that total. Twenty of the 30 winners have been revealed. Joining Musial with more than 400,000 ballots thus far are Roberto Clemente, George Brett, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. All of the winners are being announced over a three-night series on ESPN.
Musial played 24 big-league seasons, every one with the Cardinals. He was a three-time National League MVP and played on four pennant winners, including three World Series champions.
For his career, Musial totaled 3,630 base hits, 475 home runs, 1,949 runs scored and 1,951 RBIs. He was a lifetime .331 hitter with a .417 on-base percentage and a .559 slugging percentage. He ranks in the top 5 all-time in hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs and extra-base hits.
By Matthew Leach
MLB.com
9/27/06
The man universally acclaimed as the greatest Cardinal of them all has again been recognized as such. Stan Musial was named the Cardinals' winner of the DHL Presents Major League Baseball Hometown Heroes on Wednesday night. In balloting conducted online at MLB.com as well as at Busch Stadium and other Major League ballparks, Musial outdistanced a stellar group of nominees.
Also on the ballot for St. Louis were three other Hall of Famers -- Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith -- and one likely Hall of Famer-to-be (Albert Pujols). But there was little doubt that Musial would again be "The Man," even against such stiff competition.
Musial garnered more than 400,000 votes, making him one of five winners thus far announced to have reached that total. Twenty of the 30 winners have been revealed. Joining Musial with more than 400,000 ballots thus far are Roberto Clemente, George Brett, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. All of the winners are being announced over a three-night series on ESPN.
Musial played 24 big-league seasons, every one with the Cardinals. He was a three-time National League MVP and played on four pennant winners, including three World Series champions.
For his career, Musial totaled 3,630 base hits, 475 home runs, 1,949 runs scored and 1,951 RBIs. He was a lifetime .331 hitter with a .417 on-base percentage and a .559 slugging percentage. He ranks in the top 5 all-time in hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs and extra-base hits.