WJBD - Local Sports - Musial Statue Becomes Shrine

Local Sports

Photo by Christian Gooden/StLToday.com

ST. LOUIS (AP) - St. Louis Cardinals fans remembered Stan Musial

yesterday, gathering around the larger of the two statues honoring him

outside Busch Stadium.

The Hall of Famer died Saturday at 92. On Sunday, Stan the Man was the main topic at the Cardinals' annual fan festival.

Despite

near-freezing temperatures, there was a game-day feel Sunday at the

ballpark. Dozens of fans at a time congregated around Musial's statue,

often blocking a lane of traffic to get the perfect photo. Many fans

dropped off mementos, including miniature bats, balls inscribed with

messages, hats, flowers and flags at the base.

The team was

awaiting word from Musial's family on arrangements for a formal tribute.

Weather could preclude a home-plate ceremony and casket viewing for

fans such as was done when broadcaster Jack Buck died in 2002.