CAL RIPKEN JR., TAMIKA CATCHINGS AND JACK SOCK AMONG HONOREES AT MUSIAL AWARDS SATURDAY NIGHT IN ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS – Nov. 16, 2016 – Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., WNBA star Tamika Catchings, and Jack Sock, one of the top American tennis players, are among those who will be recognized at the Musial Awards Saturday night.  They will join an incredible lineup of individuals who have displayed remarkable character, kindness, selflessness and integrity in sports.  The event, which honors Stan Musial’s legacy and celebrates the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship, takes place at the Peabody Opera House at 7 p.m.  Tickets ranging from $10 to $50 are available to the public.  Ticket details appear later in this release.

Ripken is receiving the Stan Musial Lifetime Achievement Award for Sportsmanship, the pinnacle honor bestowed at the Musial Awards.  Ripken is being honored for the way he played the game and the manner in which he carried himself on and off the field.  A 19-time All-Star and holder of baseball’s record for consecutive games played, he is admired for his consistent, respectful and humble approach.  To read more about Ripken’s story, visit MusialAwards.com.

Catchings put a selfless twist on her WNBA farewell tour during the 2016 season.  The 10-time All-Star opted to forego the ceremonies, speeches and gifts normally directed at athletes of her caliber, and instead used the opportunity to give back.  To read more about her story, visit MusialAwards.com.

Sock was responsible for one of the year’s most entertaining moments of sportsmanship.  He led Lleyton Hewitt 5-4 in the first set of a match in Australia when a Hewitt serve was called out.  Sock yelled to his opponent, “That was in if you want to challenge it!”  Hewitt appeared incredulous.  But Sock insisted, “Challenge it!”  So Hewitt did and sure enough, the replay showed the ball hit the line in.  Hewitt rallied for a two-set victory.  To read more about Sock’s story, visit MusialAwards.com.

Eight other recipients of the Musial Award will be celebrated for acts of extraordinary sportsmanship.  The names of the 2016 honorees and their inspiring stories can be found at MusialAwards.com.


Tickets for the Musial Awards are on sale through Ticketmaster and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, at the Scottrade Center box office, all Ticketmaster ticket centers, or by phone at 800-745-3000.  Tickets are $50 (orchestra level seating), $30 (mezzanine level seating) and $10 (upper mezzanine level seating).  Additional service fees may apply.  On Saturday, tickets will be available at the Peabody Opera House box office starting at 10 a.m.

Additionally, all-inclusive tickets that provide orchestra level seating for the awards show plus a pre-show dinner, and reserved parking are available for $200 and can be purchased by calling 314-345-5111.


In addition to the live awards show on Nov. 19, the Musial Awards will air as a primetime one-hour television special on KSDK-TV NewsChannel 5 on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.  An encore presentation will air on Christmas Day at 9 a.m.


Named in honor of the late St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer, the Musial Awards celebrate Stan’s legacy by recognizing the greatest moments and stories of sportsmanship in North America.  The event was called the National Sportsmanship Awards until 2012 when it was renamed for Stan the Man – a fitting tribute to the beloved St. Louis icon who embodied class and character.  The Musial Awards take place annually in St. Louis and are produced by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the National Sportsmanship Foundation.  Maryville University is the presenting sponsor.


Several of this year’s honorees – including Tamika Catchings and Jack Sock will be available for interviews prior to the awards show at approximately 5 p.m.  Please note that Cal Ripken Jr. will not be available for interviews.  Media should enter the Peabody Opera House through the main entrance on Market Street between 14th and 15th streets and check in at the Guest Services desk.  Media wishing to interview honorees should contact Brent Shulman in advance at 314-369-8559.