Ollie Vanek/Stan Musial memorabilia

[Kgarner99]

Hi. I am new to the forum and not really knowledgeable about the history of baseball. I was born in the UK but have lived in the US most of my life. While sorting through some old photos, I found a picture of my dad in his British Royal Navy uniform holding what appears to be a baseball and flanked by two men, one in a Red Birds uniform. It is a WWII photo. I realized I had an old signed baseball so I decided to do some research. The baseball is signed by Ollie Vanek, manager for the Williamson Redbirds, which I have learned is a minor league team affiliated with the Cardinals. I also know Ollie Vanek was instrumental in scouting Stan Musial for the Cardinals as an outfielder too. What I don’t know for sure is who the two men are in the photo. I assume one is Ollie Vanek given the signature on the ball, but which one? Also, the player in uniform looks a lot like Stan Musial, who I learned played for the Redbirds before playing for the cardinals. I know my Dad visited the US while serving in the Royal Navy and he loved sports. Can someone help with the ID? Thanks.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

need a much larger image to have any chance of helping you.

[Kgarner99]

How can I get it any clearer? I zoomed in, so maybe this is better?

[jb217676]

Nice photo but that's not Musial

[Kgarner99]

Thanks. Then it must be Ollie Vanek. Do you know if his signed ball would have any value?

[cardinalcollector]

Not Musial for sure, and that's not a Cardinals uniform, its the Redbirds minor league uni, so probably Vanek. He managed Cardinals farm teams from 1937-1948.