Former St Louis Cardinals star and legendary broadcaster Mike Shannon dies at age 83 – as owner Bill DeWitt Jr leads tributes in honor of the two-time World Series champion for his ‘unbridled passion for the game’
- Shannon won the World Series with the team in 1964 and again in 1967
- He retired in 1970 and had a broadcasting career spanning 50 years
- DeWitt Jr. said Shannon had a “unique bond” with the St. Louis fans
Two-time World Series champion Mike Shannon has passed away at the age of 83.
The former St Louis Cardinals star played nine seasons for the team between 1962 and 1970 before embarking on a storied broadcasting career.
He helped the team win a World Series in 1964, when they defeated the New York Yankees 4-3 to claim their seventh title with Shannon playing right fielder, before moving to third base and winning their next title in 1967. by beating Boston Red. Sox 4-3.
He retired in 1970 when he passed 40 after being diagnosed with renal disease nephritis, with which he endured a long battle.
But he eventually overcame that and picked up a mic in 1972 and didn’t look back.
Former St. Louis Cardinals player and legendary broadcaster Mike Shannon has passed away at the age of 83
Shannon won two World Series titles while playing with the Cardinals, in 1964 and 1967
Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr led the tribute to Shannon, pointing out his “unbridled passion for the game”
Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr released a statement on Sunday confirming Shannon’s death.
He said, “The St. Louis Cardinals were saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Cardinals Hall of Famer and beloved St. Louisan Mike Shannon.
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 to Mike’s family and friends, and his many fans.”
He had a more than successful career in broadcasting that spanned 50 years
Shannon retired with a .255 batting average, with 68 home runs and 710 hits to his credit.
After his incredibly successful broadcasting career, he retired in 2021 at the end of the baseball season.
“My father’s life was encapsulated by his dedication to his family, his friends, the Cardinals’ organization and the St. Louis community,” Tim Shannon, one of Mike’s five children, said via the Post-Dispatch.
“My father lived his life to the fullest, squeezing every drop.”