A timely talk with the Cardinals’ general manager helped Stan Musial determine how to inform his teammates and fans he would end his major-league playing career after the 1963 season.
On Aug. 12, 1963, Musial surprised many with a tearful announcement of his retirement plans at a Cardinals team picnic.
Privately, the Cardinals’ all-time greatest player had reached his decision on July 25 at Milwaukee. That day, Musial, 42, had driven in the winning run for the Cardinals with a single against another 42-year-old, Braves pitcher Warren Spahn. Boxscore
Though Musial wasn’t hitting at the level he had when he won seven National League batting championships, he still was effective, ranking among the top five on the club in RBI. But his fading fielding skills in the outfield convinced him it was time to quit playing.
In his book “Stan Musial: The Man’s Own Story,” Musial said, “I noticed that I really had difficulty untracking to get started after a fly ball.”
From Milwaukee, the Cardinals went to Chicago for a series against the Cubs. General manager Bing Devine joined the team there and invited Musial to breakfast in his hotel suite. Musial suspected Devine wanted to know his plans for 1964.
“The words came hard because it’s not easy to quit,” Musial said in his book.
Musial said to Devine, “After this year, Bing, I’ll have had it.”
“Devine seemed relieved, as relieved as I was when I got the words out,” Musial said.
Musial told Devine he wanted to make the announcement in St. Louis and he wanted his teammates to hear it first. Devine suggested Musial use the team picnic on Aug. 12 as the venue and Musial agreed.
The picnic, on a rainy Monday, was at Grant’s Farm, the estate of Cardinals owner Gussie Busch. Players, their families, team officials and a small group of reporters attended. Busch was out of town for a family wedding.
Only Musial, his family and Devine knew what he planned to say at the gathering. Many anticipated Musial would wait until after the season to reveal his plans.
Musial was “choked with emotion,” the Associated Press reported, as he stood before a battery of microphones and said 1963 would be the last of his 22 seasons as a player.
“Baseball has been my life,” Musial said. “I have loved St. Louis and this ballclub and I have had fun all these years.
“I’ve had the best job in the world. The thrill of putting on a major-league uniform, hitting, fielding and playing ball is greater than any other job I could ever have.”
Musial acknowledged he would become a grandfather for the first time in September 1963. His son, Dick, and daughter-in-law Sharon were expecting their first child.
In an effort to lighten the mood after the emotional retirement announcement, The Sporting News reported, Musial turned to his wife, Lil, and said, “I don’t think you want to kiss an old, retired ballplayer.”
Replied Lil: “I don’t think you want to kiss an old grandmother.”
RetroSimba 
I didn’t know this is how Stan Musial announced he was going to retire. I had always assumed that at the end of the 1962 he had made it public that 1963 would be his final year. I don’t even want to imagine how emotionally difficult it must have been for Stan Musial that day. 22 incredible years all with the same organization. Even though I was too young back then to follow the Cardinals, I’ve always wished he could have been a part of that 1964 team.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and to comment, Phillip. You are right about it being an emotional day for Stan Musial. I also found it amazing that the Cardinals all gathered for a team picnic on an off-day deep into the season. Imagine having players today give up an off day without being paid to attend the team event.