Mike Shannon was a former third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals who went on to become the team’s broadcaster for nearly 50 years.
- Died: April 29, 2023 (Who else died on April 29?)
- Details of death: Died in St. Louis at the age of 83.
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Mike Shannon’s legacy
Mike Shannon’s legacy is tied to St. Louis, Missouri. Born and raised in the city, he attended school there while his father also served as a local police officer. Shannon was a star athlete in high school, earning Missouri High School Player of the Year for both basketball and football. However, he turned his attention to baseball because it paid better, beginning his career in the big leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1962.
Shannon was with the team during some of their best years. He played in three World Series, hitting a home run against Whitey Ford in the 1964 matchup against the New York Yankees. In 1968, he came in 7th in that year’s MVP voting. However, a kidney disease cut his playing career short in 1970.
By 1972, Shannon was in the radio broadcasting booth calling games for the Cardinals. The role proved to be a perfect fit for him. For nearly three decades, he provided commentary alongside Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Buck, then became the primary voice of the team in 2002 after Buck’s death. Over the course of 49 years in the booth, Shannon won a local Emmy Award and was named Missouri Sportscaster of the Year twice. He was also inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and is a member of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame. All told, Shannon spent the vast majority of his adult life with the Cardinals in some capacity.
Notable quote
“Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra.”—August 12, 1998 broadcast
Tributes to Mike Shannon
Full obituary: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
