Thousands of fans turned out for Musial’s public visitation yesterday at the Cathedral Basilica, many of them bundled up against the bitter cold in red Cardinals jackets. Musial, a 24-time All-Star who remained a beloved figure in his adopted hometown a half-century after his playing career ended, died Saturday after years of declining health. He was 92.
Hundreds lined Lindell Avenue leading to the steps of the cathedral hours before the wake had begun.
Rope lines moved mourners toward the open casket. Musial was dressed in a red blazer and a Cardinals necktie. His harmonica was in the front pocket.
Musial’s 20-plus year career resulted in a .331 lifetime average, seven NL batting titles, 475 homers and 3,630 career hits (1,815 at home and an equal number on the road). He helped the Cardinals to three World Series championships in the 1940s.
A private funeral will be held at the same place on Saturday at 11 a.m..
Immediately following the mass, the funeral procession will make its way to Busch Stadium, where the family will lay a wreath at the base of the statute of Stan Musial as part of a prayer ceremony before proceeding to a private burial.
Information from KMOV.com and The Associated Press contributed to this report.