Baseball, considered by many to be the greatest sport ever played. America's national pastime originated in the early 1800s and still exists today. In today's football, athletes are role models for the younger generation and children look up to these players as heroes. Even though many of football's greatest players are no longer around today, their influence still impacts many people's lives. Many athletes such as Stan Musial and Albert Pujols impact people's lives on and off the field. These athletes not only have an influence on the people of St. Louis, but they also impact the lives of people across the United States. Many argue that Stan Musial is the greatest Cardinal of all time, but also one of the greatest to ever play the game. the game. “Only Musial had a man's name. there was Mickey, Willie and even Teddy Ballgame but only Musial became known as "The Man" or "Stan the Man", he was always the most mature and responsible" (Hoffer). “Stan Musial was born on November 21, 1920 in Donora, Pennsylvania to his parents Lukasz and Mary Musial” (Stewart). From a young age, Stan loved baseball and, like most young boys, dreamed of one day becoming a professional. Growing up during the Great Depression would be difficult for any young boy, but it was especially difficult for Musial because of his goal of becoming a baseball player. “Musial attended Donora High School and excelled in basketball and baseball” (Stewart). Even with the Great Depression hitting the United States, Stan Musial didn't let that stop him from pursuing his lifelong dream. “At the age of 16, Musial signed his first major league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals” (Hoffer). At first, Musial's father, Lukasz, rejected the idea of ​​going and p...... middle of paper ....... March 25, 2014 » Stan Musial baseball statistics by Baseball Almanac. " Stan Musial baseball statistics from Baseball Almanac. Np, and Web. March 25, 2014. “Stan Musial receives the Medal of Freedom. » CBSNews. CBS Interactive, and Web. March 26, 2014. “Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge Run.” » Veterans Memorial Bridge Run Stan Musical. Np, and Web. March 26, 2014.Bernhard, Blythe. “BRIEF: The Pujols Foundation is expanding to Kansas City, Nashville, Southern California.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO) April 30, 2012: newspaper source. Internet. March 26, 2014. “Pujols Family Foundation”. Pujols Family Foundation. Np, and Web. March 26, 2014. “Albert Pujols Expands Charitable Services in Nashville. » Inside Vandy. Np, and Web. March 26, 2014. "The Pujols Foundation organizes a junior ball for children with Down syndrome - DominicainToday.com." DominicanToday.com. Np, and Web. March 26. 2014.