Stan "The Man" Musial--Let's Name a Bridge

I love Stan Musial even though his Cardinals career was long over long before I became part of Cardinals Nation.  Yet, I love him.  I can't remember who said it, but this is the reason.  He played in St. Louis and he stayed in St. Louis.  He didn't thumb his nose at the city and fans that adored him, like some well-known Cardinals have done.  Even Ozzie, who played here and stayed here, let his squabble with Tony LaRussa come between him and the fans.  One of the local sportscasters told a story yesterday about one time when Stan and his partner in their restaurant were in the back room and the phone rang.  The partner answered it and it was Lil and she was clearly NOT happy.  The partner handed the phone to Stan and only heard that half of the conversation, which was all, "Yes Dear, yes dear, yes dear."  Stan hung up and told his partner, "I guess I told her, didn't I?"  What a guy.

You may or may not know that "they" are building a new bridge across the Mississippi River that will be the I-70 bridge through St. Louis, crossing a few miles north of where I-70 crosses now.  There's been a lot of posturing and blah-blah-blahing about what to name the bridge.  (God forbid it's called the I-70 bridge!)  It has to be named AFTER someone.  Most of the names already suggested have been politicians' names, surprise surprise.  Adding to the kerfuffle is that the bridge is being built with money from Illinois AND Missouri, so both governments have to agree on a name.  You can guess how smoothly THAT's going.  So, what about naming it after one of the most beloved baseball players from ANY team?  Who could argue with that?  (Rhetorical question, don't tell me if you think of someone.)

There's a petition going around, I think started by the media monster KMOX, to go to the governors of each state, requesting that the new bridge be named for Stan the Man.  Please consider going to the website and casting your opinion.  If you're, as they say, not from around here, please feel free to pass along the information to baseball fans you know where you are.

Stan Musial not only united both sides of St. Louis Metro area but united the nation with his respect for all and kindness to others.  He is a role model for all.  Daily commuters and occasional travelers would do well to remember these values (honesty, integrity, respect) that Stan lived his life by as these drivers traverse this bridge.  It's right that this honor should be given to someone who earned it by living his life the right way and not due to political reasons or merely because someone is a politician.  Mr. Musial will be remembered long after most politicians are long forgotten.

Let's all sign this petition for the new bridge:
http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/kmox-petition-to-name-new-mississippi-bridge-in-stan-musials-honor/

KMOX Petition to Name New Mississippi Bridge in Stan Musial’s Honor - CBS St. Louis

stlouis.cbslocal.com

The new Mississippi River Bridge is still nameless, although much of Cardinal Nation agrees naming it after Stan Musial would be a great way to honor the beloved baseball player. READ MORE > Do you [...]

or
www.kmox.com/stan

And just added via the Cardinals Rally Squirrel Facebook page:

http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=652401
Blues to Honor Musial at Sunday's Game

Players will wear Musial 6 jerseys during warmups, which will be auctioned

Friday, 01.25.2013 / 10:57 AM /

The St. Louis Blues will honor Stan "The Man" Musial before the Jan. 27 game at Scottrade Center.

All players will be wearing Blues jerseys with "Musial" and "No. 6" during pregame warmups. Jerseys will be autographed by each player and auctioned.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Cardinals Care and the St. Louis Blues 14 Fund.

The Blues will host the Minnesota Wild at Scottrade Center on Sunday at 7 p.m. Warmups begin at 6:30 p.m. All fans in attendance will also receive a Magnet Schedule courtesy of Pepsi.