by Cesar Tordesillas

Saint Louis Cardinals legend Stan "The Man" Musial passed away Saturday January 19, 2013 at the age of 92.

He reportedly died surrounded by family in Ladue, just outside the city where he became a beloved figure as a seven-time batting champ and three-time MVP.

Musial certainly had the respect of his fellow ballplayers, who were saddened by the classy man's death.

"It is a very sad day for me," Willie Mays told ESPN's Willie Weinbaum of Outside The Lines at the Baseball Writers' Association of America dinner in New York. "I knew Stan very well. He used to take care of me at All-Star games, 24 of them. He was a true gentleman who understood the race thing and did all he could. Again, a true gentleman on and off the field -- I never heard anybody say a bad word about him, ever."

MLB Commissioner Allan H. "Bud" Selig offered his condolences via a statement in a day which the sport also lost ffamed ex-Orioles manager Earl Weaver, as well.

"Major League Baseball has lost one of its true legends in Stan Musial, a Hall of Famer in every sense and a man who led a great American life. He was the heart and soul of the historic St. Louis Cardinals franchise for generations, and he served his country during World War II. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, Stan's life embodies baseball's unparalleled history and why this game is the national pastime.

"As remarkable as 'Stan the Man' was on the field, he was a true gentleman in life. All of Major League Baseball mourns his passing, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, admirers and all the fans of the Cardinals."

Musial was a remarkable hitter who at the time ranked second in MLB history in total bases (6,134), third in doubles (725), fourth in hits (3,630), sixth in RBIs (1,951) and ninth in runs (1,949) despite playing his final game in 1963.

 

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Stan Musial Tribute - career highlights, greatest plays, games.

A video Tribute to the greatest Cardinal of all, Stan "The Man" Musial. From his 3,000th hit to his last at bat. Stan Musial had a .331 career batting average, was a 3-time MVP, and won 7 batting titles. He held 17 Major League Baseball Records when he retired -- NL records: 3,630 hits, 1,951 RBI, 725 doubles, 1,949 runs. MLB record 6,134 total bases.

 

Tribute to Cardinals Baseball Legend Stan 'The Man' Musial

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