On February 15,  2011
Stan Musial receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award in which the honorees are selected by the sitting president, from Barack Obama. The Cardinals’ legend, who benefitted from the local grass-roots effort on his behalf, joins major leaguers Hank Aaron, Moe Berg, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and Ted Williams, as a recipient of the most prestigious honor given to a United States civilian.

“This is the top honor that I’m ever going to receive,” Musial told the St. Louis Beacon in his hotel room before the ceremony.

The White House announced in November that Musial would receive the award.

Musial was named the most valuable player three times and played in 24 All-Star Games in his career. He also acted as an unofficial American emissary to Poland and has worked closely with several charities.