MONTREAL – Canada: A retired Ismaili journalist has fond memories of his interview in early 1970s with one of America’s best known baseball players.
Stan Musial – more affectionately known as Stan the Man – died over the weekend at the age of 92.
Sultan Jessa, who lives on the West Island of Montreal, recalls his meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, with Musial, who became one of sport’s greatest hitters in 22 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.
“No one in Africa played baseball,” the journalist recalled. “So it was natural very few people had heard about the American professional baseball player.”
Jessa, who worked for the Daily Nation, one of Africa’s most respected daily newspapers, was asked to interview the baseball player.
Musial was in Kenya on a safari and to admire the abundance of wildlife and national parks.
“He (Stan the Man) was very humble, easy going and accommodating,” he said.
After the interview, Musial asked Jessa if wanted his autograph.
“I didn’t want to offend him…sure, I would love to have your autograph.” I said.
Years later when Jessa started working for the Standard-Freeholder, a daily then owned by the Thomson chain, he heard sports reporters talking about Musial.
“I told my colleagues I had once met and interviewed the American legend.
“No one believed me until I produced a photograph personally signed by Stan the Man.”
Musial was adorned by his fans for his humility.
The baseball player was so revered in St. Louis that two statues in his honour stand outside Busch Stadium.
He was one of baseball’s greatest hitters and son seven National League batting titles and also helped the Cardinal’s capture three World Series championships in the 1940s.
Among the awards Musial received were Sportsman of the Year, Lou Gehrig Memorial Award and National League’s Most Valuable Player.
Ismailimail 