Musial greatly missed in Cards' postseason routine

ST. LOUIS -- The uniform patches and outfield decal have been a season-long reminder of the Cardinals family member lost this year. Stan Musial, who died at the age of 92 in January, has been honored and remembered by the organization throughout the 2013 season. A regular on-field presence during the postseason, his absence has been especially conspicuous this month.

As the Cardinals prepare for their 19th trip to the World Series, they do so with a nod to Musial. The greatest player in franchise history, Musial appeared in four World Series during his 22 seasons with the Cardinals. His last came in 1946, which was the first of now four Fall Classic meetings between the Cardinals and Red Sox.

St. Louis defeated Boston, 4-3, to take the World Series championship that season. Musial went 6-for-27 with three runs scored, four doubles, a triple and four RBIs in the seven-game Series. It capped a special season that began with Musial returning from military service and ended with him having taken the nickname "The Man" and having earned his second Most Valuable Player Award.