Cardinals' Albert Pujols (right) adjusts the collar for Hall of Famer Stan Musial before Opening Day ceremonies.

I didn’t grow up watching Cardinals baseball so my appreciation of the Cardinals greats has mostly been shaped by the respect and admiration I see these gentlemen receive when they make guest of honor appearances on special occasions.  One of those special days was Monday, Opening Day 2009.

I try to take readers to places they can’t normally go, to go behind-the-scenes, so to speak.  In this case, literally, as I waited with the players under the right field stands for the procession of Fords to bring them to home plate for player introductions.

Josh Kinney and Kyle McClellan pet a Clydesdale as they wait for the procession to begin.

The other living Cardinals Hall of Famers were all present: Red, Brock, Sutter, Ozzie and Gibson, but I stuck around Stan.  Manager Tony La Russa gathered up a few of the rookies and newer players and brought them over to meet him.

Rookie Colby Rasmus greets Stan Musial while Khalil Greene shakes hands with another shortstop, Ozzie Smith.

Suddenly Albert Pujols sidles up to Stan while he was trying to get a Cardinals jacket on.

At first I worked at a bit of a distance but then realized the windshield was causing a nasty reflection so moved in closer.

Pujols helps zip up Stan's jacket and adjust his collar.

This was an alternate photo with great expressions, but conveyed different emotions.

Stan Musial and Albert Pujols

As quick as the moment came, it was gone.

Back to baseball and getting ready for the game.

I’m around these players so much sometimes it’s easy to overlook what they’ve accomplished in the past and what they’re doing right in front of us.  Reactions to the photo of Stan and Albert have brought things back into perspective for me.

Some comments from readers:

This photo tells a story of 2 great players & 2 good human beings. That is, present helping past.

—

The picture of Stan Musial and Albert Pujols was THE most touching picture I’ve seen in a very very long time. I must have looked at it forever – you captured so much.  Albert fixing the jacket, Stan very content having his jacket adjusted – to even putting his hand on Albert’s leg as support.  It’s the best of the OLD and the BEST of the new.

—

Aside from having two of the best, if not the best players, to put on a Cardinals’ uniform, it also shows a human side that we don’t always get to see. Albert, with a genuine look of concern, helping out Stan the Man with his jacket and Stan with a thanking hand on Albert’s leg.

—

Captured in a single snapshot everything that’s right about The Cardinals, The Game, then and today.  It speaks volumes.  Old School-New School.  I love it!  The trust, the care, the honor, the love-it’s all there.

—

One of the most beautiful moments in St. Louis sports history.

—

Albert is showing such loving care and reverence for his aged counterpart.

—

A past Cardinal great and Hall of Famer, Stan Musial, being aided by a present day great and future Hall of Famer, Albert Pujols. The picture truly epitomizes what Cardinal baseball is all about.

—

The picture of Albert and Stan brought me to tears.  It was as if a grandson was taking care of his grandfather-never mind they are two baseball greats.  The care Albert is showing and Stan’s hand on Albert’s leg is so touching.  There must have been hundreds of pictures taken that day but this is the one that I am sure touched any parent or baseball lover.