ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals great Stan Musial has received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the presidential Medal of Freedom.
Musial was among 15 people honored Tuesday during a ceremony at the White House. President Barack Obama calls the 90-year-old Hall-of-Famer “a gentleman you would want your kids to emulate.”
Missouri politicians agree. Democratic Congressman William Lacy Clay of St. Louis says Musial “represents the very best of America.”
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says Musial is “an extraordinary American and gentleman.”
Musial was a 24-time All-Star who retired after the 1963 season with a .331 batting average and 475 home runs.
The Pennsylvania native was signed by the Cardinals as a pitcher but converted to the outfield after a shoulder injury in the minor leagues.
