ST. LOUIS – One of the most recognizable voices — and names — connected with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team has passed away.
The Cardinals say Mike Shannon has died at the age of 83.
Shannon played and worked for the Cardinals for a total of 64 years, 50 of which were with the Cardinals radio broadcast team, retiring in 2021.
“All of us at Major League Baseball mourn the passing of Mike Shannon, a beloved figure in the rich history of the St. Louis Cardinals,” said Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball Commissioner, in a statement. “The St. Louis native was a homegrown success, a member of two World Championship teams and a highly respected broadcaster. His close relationship with Cardinals fans demonstrates the unique impact that Baseball has linking generations of fans.”
Thomas Michael Shannon, in high school, was at one point Missouri High School Football and Baseball Player of the Year. He was also a two-sport athlete at the University of Missouri prior to signing with the Cardinals in 1962, the team said.
He helped win two World Series with the Cardinals in 1964 and 1967. He was behind the microphone for KMOX and the St. Louis Cardinals Radio Network for World Series wins in 1982, 2006, and 2011.
“The St. Louis Cardinals were saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Cardinals Hall of Famer and beloved St. Louisan Mike Shannon,” Cardinals owner & chief executive officer Bill DeWitt, Jr. said in a statement. “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. On behalf of the entire Cardinals organization, we share our condolences with Mike’s family and friends, and his many fans.”
The home radio booth at Busch Stadium was named, upon Shannon’s retirement, the Shannon Broadcast Booth.
Funeral services have yet to be announced. A cause of death was not disclosed.
St. Louis Cardinals baseball games can be heard all season long on AM 1290 in Peoria.
He was our voice, our friend, and an icon for generations.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Cardinals legend and St. Louis native son Mike Shannon. pic.twitter.com/4JPRbnUUaj
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 30, 2023
(Source for some portions of this story: MLB.com/Cardinals.com)
