Sports journalist George Vecsey finally gives this twenty-time All-Star and St. Louis Cardinals icon the kind of prestigious biographical treatment previously afforded to his more celebrated contemporaries. More than just a recounting of Musial's life, this is the definitive portrait of one of the game's best-loved but most unappreciated legends, told through the remembrances of those who played beside, worked with, and covered "Stan the Man" over his nearly seventy years in the national spotlight. Stan Musial never married a starlet. He didn't die young, live too hard, or squander his talent. There were no legendary displays of temper or moodiness. He was merely the most consistent superstar of his era, a scarily gifted batsman who compiled 3,630 career hits (1,815 at home and 1,815 on the road), won three World Series titles, and retired in 1963 in possession of 17 major-league records. Away from the diamond, he proved a savvy businessman and a model of humility and graciousness toward his many fans in St. Louis and around the world.--From publisher description.

Morning in Florida -- The do-over -- Lucky Stanley -- The old master -- Stanley hits -- The stance -- A hand on the shoulder -- Lukasz and Mary -- Invitation to lunch -- How Donora got its name -- Mentors -- Lil -- Takeoff -- Pennant race -- Meet me at the fair -- The mahatma of the midwest -- Old Navy buddies -- The war -- Checks all over the bed -- Jubilee -- A visitor on the train -- Best series ever -- Boat-rocker -- Stanley the scout -- The strike that never happened -- Stanley and the kid -- The big three -- Bad air -- Family life -- Day off in Chicago -- Prime time -- Stanley gives an interview -- Temper, temper -- And some bad times -- On the hustings -- Better pants -- When the times changed -- Old folks -- Fender bender -- Retirement -- Stanley runs the team -- Hometown -- Stanley goes to a reunion -- The Polish connection -- The face in the crowd -- Stanley's statues -- More funerals -- Upstaged again -- Here he comes now.