Ah, can't beat fun at the ol' ballpark, friends.

The giveaway today was a replica of the Stan Musial statue outside the stadium.  It was the most popular giveaway of the year, as I believe this was the only game besides Opening Day to sellout when tickets went on sale.  First of all, I got there insanely early -- 9:55 a.m. for a 1:15 p.m. game, as I've been there for the really popular giveaways before and have seen how nutty the lines can get.  And yet at least 2000 or so people beat me -- some had set up with lawn chairs even.

Though we were all in the left field bleachers, (my friends) Jan & Dave's tickets were towards the back of section 595, while my solo ticket was in almost the same row, but section 591.  While waiting to get into the stadium, I was (of course) talking to those around me in line.  Turns out the couple behind me was just getting their statues and leaving, as they had to get to their grandson's 2-year birthday party.  Their seats were in row 2 of section 595.  They were gracious enough to trade me one of their tickets.

As we were waiting, we saw a family walk up with a toddler wearing a Molina jersey.  Not only was he wearing the jersey, but someone really crafty (his mom?) had sewn a "catcher's mask" onto the back of his ball cap and he had on little Velcro pseudo-cleats.  A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.

After batting practice and the ceremonial first pitches, there was a short, but sweet, ceremony honoring “baseball’s perfect warrior, baseball’s perfect knight”.  They also dedicated the newly bricked Stan Musial Plaza, which has a large baseball, with Stan’s autograph across the sweet spot.   Towards the top of the baseball, some of the bricks are filled with important dates from his career and his statistics, like his 3,630 career hits (1,815 at home & 1,815 on the road). 

Some of the bricks towards the bottom make out his family tree.  Much of his family was expectedly there, including his wife, Lillian, who for an approximately 90-year-old woman is absolutely gorgeous.  If I’m fortunate enough to see my 90th birthday, I hope I look half as good as she does.

The city of St. Louis has officially renamed the section of 8th Street that goes by Busch Stadium.  It is now Stan Musial Drive.  They presented Stan with a Stan Musial Drive street sign.  The city also passed a proclamation making today (May 18, 2008) Stan Musial Day and gave him a framed copy of the proclamation.

As usual, Stan was very gracious and made reference to how much he loves the fans and how much they love him.  He also made a crack I’ve heard him make before, but which I love -- he says the reason his knees are so bad is because he hit too many triples.  He also made mention of what a great second baseman he thinks Red Schoendienst was and asked us all to say Hi to him.  According to a clip played between innings on the jumbotron, they were roommates for 10 years. 

Always a crowd pleaser, while standing, Stan gave his best swing with an imaginary bat.  This was especially touching to me, because this was the first time I remember him going straight from golf cart to wheelchair at the ballpark.  His speech was also a bit slurred.  Some may make fun of me, but I actually had to wipe away several tears, as I thought that perhaps this could be my last time being in the presence of “The Donoro Greyhound”.  I hope not though, as I supposedly have a ticket for the 2009 All-Star Game wrapped up and I hope to see The Man get some recognition on the national stage, in the same manner the Giants honored Willie Mays.

Stan then took a tour around the ballpark in a golf cart.  It was really cool to see the Tampa Bay players in the dugout go to the top of the steps and the relief pitchers run to the front of the bullpen so they could get a close look at this living legend.  I love to see the young players have an appreciation for the game’s history.

The game was an exciting one.  The Cards were down 3-0 when thanks to three walks, a 6th inning Skip Schumaker single finally put them on the board.  In the 7th inning, an “en fuego” Ryan Ludwick hit a solo shot, his 3rd home run in 2 days.  Tampa Bay scored another run in the 8th, making it 4-2.  In the bottom of the 8th, Brendan Ryan took a leadoff walk and Cesar Izturis followed suit.  Skip successfully bunted them over.

Then, this guy sitting in front of me, who had been ripping on Aaron Miles off and on during the game, turned around and asked me if I’d rather have Joe Mather or Aaron Miles up in this situation.  I said that since Miles was batting .311, I wasn’t going to complain.  The guy started muttering at me and I couldn’t understand everything he was saying, but needless to say, I was thrilled to see Aaron hit a 2 RBI single to tie the game.

During the top of the 9th, I was excited to see Chris Perez take the mound.  I had said before the game started that I was hoping to see him and thought I had a good chance, since he hadn’t been used yesterday.  Who needs strikeouts when you can retire the side on 5 pitches?   In the bottom of the 9th, LaRue took a leadoff walk.  Pinch hitter Adam Wainwright struck out on an unsuccessful bunt attempt.  Then, Izturis singled, setting the table for Jared Michael Schumaker.  Skip comes through again, this time with a walk-off double.  Fun ending.

I almost forgot; I always like to post the Clarkson EyeCare trivia clues (I was incorrect in assuming today‘s question would be related to Musial):

Former Cardinal outfielder
Three time Gold Glove winner
1985 National League MVP

For most Cardinal fans 25 or over, this is a softball question.  The answer, of course, is #51, Willie McGee.