Sept. 29, 1963 | Stan Musial's Final Game

Sept. 29, 1963 - Stan Musial, who broke in with the Cardinals with two hits 22 years ago, ended his career the same way today in a 14-inning, 3-2 Cardinal victory over the Reds in St. Louis. After his second hit, a single in the sixth inning, Musial left the game for a pinch runner. His two hits brought his career total to 3,630 in 3,026 games. He ended with a .331 career batting average. Before the game, Musial was given one standing ovation after another by the crowd of 27,576. After civic and baseball officials praised him in brief speeches, the 42-year-old Musial stood at a battery of microphones and said: “As long as I live, I will always remember this day. For me it is both a great joy and a great sorrow. It is a joy because of this wonderful day for me, and it is a sorrow because it is a farewell. I want to thank my wife and children for their strong support for a part-time husband and father. I want to thank God for giving me the talent I have and the good health I’ve been blessed with.” Musial, who held back the tears most of the time, continued: “I want to strike a serious note. Baseball has taught me the opportunity that America offers any young men who want to get to the top in anything. I hate to say goodbye, so until we meet again, I want to thank you very much.” Ken Boyer, captain of the Cardinals, presented Musial with a ring with diamonds arranged in the shape of his uniform number — 6. August Busch Jr., the club’s president, said the number would be retired.

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