The St. Louis Cardinals announced plans to honor radio voice and team Hall-of-Famer Mike Shannon as his broadcasting career nears an end.
In what will be his 50th and final season as a Cardinals broadcaster, Shannon becomes just the 13th announcer in baseball history to reach the milestone. Even more exclusive, he’s only the sixth broadcaster to spend those 50 years all with one team.
The 81-year-old play-by-play voice is scheduled to call approximately 50 home games on the Cardinals flagship station KMOX. And as expected, the Cardinals will celebrate the iconic radio voice throughout the season.
The campaign includes a scheduled Shannon bobblehead day, featured memorabilia displays, in-stadium video tributes from former players and celebrities, and a website featuring some of the announcer’s most famous calls.
Shannon’s career with the Cardinals began in 1958 when he was signed as a player. He made it to the big leagues in 1962 and enjoyed a nine-year career which included two World Series championships. After retiring from the field, Shannon joined the Cardinals front office, but quickly transitioned to the radio booth alongside Jack Buck in 1972. Nearly a half-century later, Shannon is set to begin his 50th season as a Cardinals radio announcer.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
