Reps. Davis, Shimkus and Wagner Introduce Legislation to Name Bridge after Stan Musial

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that he will introduce legislation to name the new Mississippi River Bridge after St. Louis Cardinals' legend Stan Musial. Davis will be joined in introducing the legislation by Reps. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), original co-sponsors of the bill.

"Stan Musial was more than just one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He was an ambassador for the game of baseball, a war veteran and a kind, upstanding person," said Davis. "To me, this is a great way to recognize the life and legacy of "Stan the Man' to ensure that he will be remembered by future generations to come and for Cardinals fans to feel a sense of pride and respect each time they cross the river."

"While the Mississippi River often serves as a dividing line between Missouri and Illinois in our region, the St. Louis Cardinals have been able to bridge that divide and have thousands of Illinois fans," said Shimkus. "Stan Musial is one of the Cardinals' icons. I cannot imagine a better solution to the naming of the bridge."

"Stan Musial was more than just a great baseball player; he emboldened the virtues of an outstanding citizen," said Wagner. "As a World War II veteran, he left his professional baseball career to serve his country and never lost his zeal for public service. Throughout his life he always put his community first and he will be truly missed. Hopefully this bridge will remind the people of the St. Louis region about the greatness of 'Stan the man' and the virtue of public service and community."

The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to rename the new I-70 bridge across the Mississippi the "Stan Musial Memorial Bridge." The bridge is slated to open in 2014.

Stan Musial played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals and is recognized as one of the greatest hitters of all time. He was named the National League Most Valuable Player three times, won three World Series titles and was named to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969. Musial passed away on January 19, 2013.

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