Mr BioFile Interviews by Scoop Malinowski
By Mark Scoop Malinowski
Status: Baseball Hall of Famer, St. Louis Cardinals IF/OF 1941-1963.
DOB: November 21, 1920 In: Donora, PA
Baseball Inspirations: “Paul Waner, Carl Hubbell.”
Pre-Game Feeling: “I felt like I was gonna get two hits every game [laughs]. Tried to analyze who was pitching, what their ball might be doing. Time the ball in batting practice. Hit the ball all over. Get the good timing.”
Childhood Dream: “Always wanted to be a Major League player. Loved baseball. Followed it. Loved to play. Plus, I could always hit.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “Well, I guess winning the World Series as a rookie (1942). Beating the Yankees. Even after that World Series I continued to clerk part-time in my father-in-law’s grocery store in Donora, PA. Going to the Hall of Fame was another. And just every time I put on a big league uniform. Being a big league ballplayer – I loved it.”
Most Painful Moment: “I can’t think of anything in that regard. I enjoyed baseball so much. Well, I guess when I hurt my arm diving for a ball in the Florida State League (1940). I had a good arm. After I injured it I didn’t have the same strength I could have had.”
Toughest Competitors Encountered: “John Vander Meer, Curt Simmons. They were good, tough pitchers.”
Musical Tastes: “Country, Curtis Pride, Roy Clark.”
Favorite Athletes To Watch: “Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Palmer, Don Mattingly, Tony Gwynn, Joe Louis – my idol, Jimmy Connors.”
Interesting Fact: “I’m a musician. I play harmonica for relaxation. A good way to relax and entertain people. An excellent way to have fun.”
Most Treasured Possession: “Sportsman of the Year – from Sports Illustrated in 1957.”
Career Accomplishments: Three World Series championships; three-time MVP; seven-time batting champ; .331 career batting average; 17 records when he retired: NL records, 3,630 hits, 1,951 RBI, 725 doubles, 1,949 runs, MLB record 6,134 total bases; Played in 24 All Star Games and hit six home runs in those games, both records.
Stan Musial highlights
