With the passing of baseball great Stan "The Man" Musial earlier this year, I am reminded of another man who was born on the same date and same year as "The Man." His name was Clyde Stanley Pearce Jr. "Bud," as everyone called him, passed away in 1995.

While Stan "The Man" was an outstanding man who did many great things for St. Louis and the many fans who followed him, and was a kind man who helped many people, Bud was the same kind of man who helped many in East Cape Girardeau, Ill., Alexander County and Southern Illinois. As I am sure the older generation will remember the days of the Purple Crackle Club in East Cape Girardeau, and Bud and Bobbie greeting people who came through the front door for an evening of good food, beverage and dance. It was often said they had the best food between St. Louis and Memphis.

Maybe it is just a coincidence that these fine gentlemen were born on the same date and year, had the same name, Stanley, owned fine eating establishments and helped many people. Both were "class" who gave their all to many, without asking for anything in return. As Jack Buck would say, "That's a winner!"

JOE ADEN, East Cape Girardeau, Ill.