Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Stan Musial

You can't do anything about it.

I happened to catch an article about Stan Musial in a copy of Sports Illustrated while waiting for the dentist.

It told of a game in 1958 when Musial roped a double down the first base line to put the Cardinals ahead.  The only problem was, the umpire called it foul.

The first three St. Louis players and coaches that stormed onto the field to protest were tossed out of the park.

Musial jogged over from second base and asked a fellow player what the commotion was all about.
He was informed that the umpire had called his obvious extra-base hit a foul ball. 

Musial just shrugged.
Before he jogged back to home plate to hit again, he gave his opinion on the matter.

You can't do anything about it.

Once everything settled back down and play commenced, Musial roped another double down the line in almost the same exact spot.  This time the umpire called it correctly.  Fair ball.

Stan was right.  There are some things thrown your way that you can do nothing about.  You have no say in the matter, so the worst thing that you can do is make an issue of it.  
"Woe is me" simply does not cut it.  It's a lesson I understand in my head, but it is certainly one that I do not always follow.

God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.



4 comments:

  1. Exactly right. Perhaps my favorite credo. Thanks for posting it.

    By the way, during the Fifties I was a BIG baseball fan (Philadlephia Phillies.) I watch and listen to games in which Stan Musial played. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE knew he was a class act back then. Even though he was on the opposing team (St. Louis Cardinals), I felt good whenever this man approached the plate. Who can we say that about today?

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  2. My first glove was a Stan Musial autograph. This post is why I hate reviews, bad calls ,like bad weather and bad coaching ,are part of the game. It all goes back to the lack of respect for.....oops sorry I got fired up again!

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  3. Stan the man...a class act for any age or sport. We all wish more were like him....there are a few out there even today.

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  4. I hope to pick up a book soon reference Musial. He seems to be a guy that needs further study.

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