The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most storied franchises in all of baseball. With 11 World Series titles, 18 National League pennants and the likes of Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and Red Schoendienst, the Cardinals have always been a world-class organization.
But perhaps Cardinal Nation can feel the most pride about one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Stan Musial.
Stan the Man's career numbers are astounding: 3,610 hits, 475 home runs, 1,951 runs batted in, three World Series titles. He was named the National League's Most Valuable player three times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.
But his greatness goes far beyond just baseball statistics.
As a patriot Stan served in the Navy in World Ware II while in the prime of his baseball career. As an individual Stan will be remembered as kind, modest, generous and approachable. As an ambassador Stan meant more to the game of baseball and the St. Louis than he was ever willing to take credit for.
Last week the Senate unanimously approved legislation to name the new I-70 Mississippi River bridge the "Stan Musial Memorial Bridge," and now it's time for the House to do the same.
On Jan. 28, I introduced similar legislation, H.R. 420, with Reps. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., John Shimkus, R-Ill., and Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., and pledge to work tirelessly to see this bill signed into law.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis
Champaign
