First published 2011
Stan Musial compiled 3,630 career hits and won three World Series titles, yet baseball fans in 1999 left him off their list of the top twenty-five players of the twentieth century. George Vecsey tackles this puzzling oversight in his biography of the St. Louis Cardinals icon. Through interviews with teammates, colleagues, and those who covered Musial during his nearly seventy years in baseball, Vecsey builds a portrait of the most consistent superstar of his generation. The book reveals why this twenty-time All-Star remains underappreciated compared to contemporaries like Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio. Musial never created tabloid drama or displayed legendary temper tantrums. He simply hit with scary consistency, splitting his 3,630 career hits exactly evenly between home and road games. Vecsey traces Musial's career from player to businessman, capturing his humility and grace with fans. The author weaves together stories ranging from Keith Hernandez's childhood memories to Musial's friendship with novelist James Michener and their connection to Pope John Paul II. This oral history celebrates a gentleman from baseball's Greatest Generation.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, american, sports, baseball
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: biographical, historical
Setting: St. Louis, Missouri
Period: 20th-century
416 pages · Hardcover · ESPN