The St. Louis Cardinals are mourning the loss of one of their own. World Series champion and longtime Cards broadcaster Mike Shannon passed away Saturday at the age of 83.
Shannon played nine seasons with the Cardinals from 1962-70, appearing in three World Series in 1964, 1967 and 1968. The Cards won it all in ’64 and ’67. Shannon hit home runs in all three WS appearances.
Mike Shannon was probably more well-known for his voice. He joined the Cardinals’ radio booth as an analyst for the 1972 season, and he’d stay in that role until his retirement in 2021.
“Mike’s unique connection to Cardinals fans and his teammates was reflected in his unbridled passion for the game, the Cardinals, and the St. Louis community,” Cardinals owner and CEO Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a statement. “On behalf of the entire Cardinals organization, we share our condolences with Mike’s family and friends, and his many fans.”
Shannon played an impactful role in the lives of many in baseball media. Longtime broadcaster Mike Claiborne said Shannon’s kindness and tender heart extended to everyone he met.
“He’s probably had more impact on my life outside of anybody other than my parents,” Claiborne told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “He was St. Louis for all the good in St. Louis. He cared about people. And he was a guy who could run with any class or group of people, and that is what made him special.”
Others in St. Louis media who had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Shannon reflected on his passing.
Shannon is survived by his wife Lori, his sons Tim, Michael Jr. and Dan, daughters Patricia, Peg and Erin as well as 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
