The late, great Stan Musial was a once-in-a-generation ballplayer for the St. Louis Cardinals who defined the word “teammate” at the same time he was rewriting the National League record books. From 1941 to 1963, Musial, who passed away on Jan. 20, 2013 at the age of 92, played a consistent brand of baseball that won over fans and teammates, not to mention countless opponents. A lifetime .331 hitter who belted 475 home runs, Musial won seven N.L. batting titles, three N.L. MVP awards and was selected to play in 24 All-Star games.
Presented here is Musial’s glorious Cardinals home uniform from 1963, his last season in the majors in which he collected 86 hits and launched 12 more home runs. At the time he shed this garment for the last time, he had set National League records for career hits (3,630), runs batted in (1,951), games played (3,026), at-bats (10,972), runs scored (1,949) and doubles (725). If there were quantifiable records for loyalty, durability, class and universal admiration, Musial would have owned those too.
This incredibly well-preserved, 52-year-old flannel set of matching jersey and pants from the Cardinals’ legend evokes indelible images of scenic Sportsman’s Park. The jersey is breathtaking all by itself. Sporting Musial’s iconic No. 6 on the front and back in red-on-blue felt, the jersey includes the embroidered Cardinals’ logo – complete with two red birds perched on opposite sides of the golden bat – across the chest. The left front tail includes a “Rawlings” manufacturer’s label (size 44) just above a red chain-stitched notation reading: “Musial 63.” On the inside of that same tail a specific wash tag is present accompanied by a flag tail denoting “SET 1 1963.” What’s important to note about the jersey, besides it undeniable value to baseball aficionados, is the Hall of Famer’s last name – “MUSIAL” – in red-on-blue felt, semi-circle fashion across the back. The practice of adding names to their jerseys was only adopted by the Cards in ’62. Needless to say Musial gamers bearing his name are exceedingly rare in today’s marketplace.
The accompanying pants (size 36) sport the official “Rawlings” manufacturer’s logo stitched into the inside of the waistband right next to a wash tag and just above a flag tail denoting the final season of Musial’s career: “SET 1 1963.” A red chain-stitched notation reading “Musial 63 35 24 INS” has been sewn onto the inside of the back of the waistband indicating the player, pant length and inseam. The Cardinals trademark stripe of red piping runs the length of either pant leg.
Every element of the uniform is completely original and unaltered. It exhibits evidence of wear without any signs of repair. This is truly an impeccably preserved game-worn uniform from not only the St. Louis ball club’s greatest player, but from one of baseball’s most admired and revered performers in history.
Includes a LOA from MEARS (Grade A10).