Two St. Louisans, One Former P.O.W. and One Baseball Legend, to Inducted into the MO Veterans Hall of Fame

Two St. Louisans, One Former P.O.W. and One Baseball Legend, to Be Posthumously Inducted into the Same Veterans Hall of Fame

Many people will never see, or even imagine, their family member's picture displayed next to that of a Baseball Hall of Famer. Yet that is exactly what has happened in Missouri.

The Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will welcome four living inductees and two posthumous inductees into its esteemed ranks.

The two posthumous honorees share remarkable similarities. Both are World War II veterans, both were lifelong St. Louisans, and both will have their names permanently enshrined on the commemorative plaque outside the Lieutenant Governor's Office in the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda.

Edward Ucinski Sr., a longtime fan of St. Louis baseball, will be honored alongside the legendary Stan Musial, widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to wear a St. Louis Cardinals uniform. For the Ucinski family, having Edward Sr.'s name commemorated next to one of the most beloved figures in baseball history is an extraordinary honor, and one that is taking place right here in Missouri. Sometimes, the simple things are the most extraordinary!