Cardinals Hall of Famer, legendary broadcaster Mike Shannon dies at 83

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) - Legendary Cardinals broadcaster and ‘-time World Champion Mike Shannon has died, the St. Louis Cardinals announced Sunday.

“The St. Louis Cardinals were saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Cardinals Hall of Famer and beloved St. Louisan Mike Shannon,” said Cardinals’ Owner & Chief Executive Officer Bill DeWitt, Jr. in a press release. “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.”

A multi-sport star at CBC High School in St. Louis, Thomas Michael “Mike” Shannon remains the only athlete ever to be named the Missouri High School Player of the Year for both football and basketball in the same year. He was recruited to play quarterback at the University of Missouri but left school behind in 1958 to sign a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Shannon spent his entire big-league playing career with St. Louis from 1962 to 1970 and was a two-time World Champion as a member of the 1964 and 1967 Cardinals. Though Shannon’s playing career ended prematurely due to kidney disease, his days as an important part of the Cardinal family were just getting started. Shannon joined Jack Buck in the Cardinals radio broadcast booth for the 1972 season.

For those who weren’t around to see his playing days, the ‘Moon Man’ became known to generations of Cardinals fans for his exuberant style on the air. Shannon retired from the KMOX broadcast after 50 years of calling games as the voice of the Cardinals.

A member of the Cardinals Hall of Fame, Mike Shannon is synonymous with Cardinals baseball.

Remembering Mike Shannon

Missouri Sports Hall Of Famer Mike Claiborne released the following statement:

“Teammate. Best friend. Caring. I mean all the good things you would hope to be in a person, he summed up everything. ... You know, Mike Shannon never met a stranger, and I think that’s what makes him so special.”

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement:

“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. 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.

“On behalf of MLB, I extend my deepest condolences to Mike’s family, his friends across the game, and Cardinals fans everywhere.”

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones released the following statement:

“A World Series champion, a broadcaster, a baseball icon, and a loving father - Mike Shannon lived many lives with the Cardinals and exemplified what makes the team so great. I join our entire region in mourning his loss and wish his loved ones comfort in their grief.”

CBC High School President Michael Jordan, AFSC released the following statement:

“It is with great sadness that Christian Brothers College High School mourns the passing of our beloved alum, Thomas Michael Shannon. Mike Shannon graduated from CBC in 1957 and was a three-sport athlete who excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. He went on to become a St. Louis legend and was widely recognized as one of the best prep athletes in the history of Missouri.

“CBC honored Mike’s accomplishments by naming our baseball facility in his honor in 2015. We also hosted the annual Mike Shannon Golf Tournament for many years, raising millions in financial aid for deserving young men. Mike was a proud member of our CBC family, with his sons and grandsons attending. He showed great support for our Lasallian mission and embodied what it meant to be a Brother for Life. In 1993, he was honored with the Christian Brothers’ highest award for a lay associate, making him an Affiliated member of the Christian Brothers (AFSC). Mike will always be remembered as an inspiration and role model for CBC students and alumni alike.”

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