Legendary Mike Shannon Cardinals commentary resurfaces after World Series Champion’s death aged 83
LEGENDARY commentary from Mike Shannon has resurfaced following the World Series Champion’s tragic death. A third baseman and right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals for eight years, Shannon went on to become a cornerstone in the broadcasting booth for the franchise for half a century. Shannon won two World Series’ with the Cardinals during his playing careerGetty He (R) wound up commentating for the team for five decadesGetty The Cardinals announced Shannon’s passing on Sunday in a tweet that called him “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.” “Mike Shannon played for the Cardinals for nine seasons, and was vital to the team’s 1964 and 1967 World Series titles. “He hit the final home run at Sportsman’s Park as well as the first Cardinals home run at Busch Memorial Stadium in 1966. “After retirement, Shannon joined the Cardinals’ broadcast team in 1972, where he would spend 50 years as the team’s radio voice. “His voice, stories and unbridled passion for the game became the soundtrack to Cardinals baseball for generations of fans.” Following the devastating news, a recording of Shannon during the Cardinals’ 11-8 win over the Chicago Cubs on the Fourth of July 2003 went viral on Twitter. Fans fondly reminisced about Shannon via the recording of Albert Pujols hitting a home run-off of Kerry Wood. He said: “Swing and hello fourth of July! Take a ride on that knockdown pitch big boy! “Kerry Wood knocked him down and now Albert looks at him as he goes around first, he gives him a glare. “Say ‘Take a little whiff of that big boy!’ “And now, Kerry Wood takes a look at Albert as he touches them all. “Give it to ’em big boy, give it to ’em. That’s how you play baseball. That’s when you’re a professional like Albert is. “You don’t glare out there. You don’t throw your bat. You don’t charge the mound. You just take the next pitch and hit it into the seats.” One fan responded, calling this “My favorite call from Mike Shannon. May he rest in peace.” While another fan commented: “One of the best mike Shannon calls ever. RIP to the voice of cardinals baseball” A further fan added: “I was just thinking about that. My favorite Mike Shannon call of all time!” In nine seasons as a player, Shannon made 882 appearances for the Cardinals, winning both the 1964 and 1967 World Series’, and was eventually inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Lori, his sons Tim, Michael Jr., and Dan, his daughters Patricia, Peg, and Erin, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Shannon is also survived by his eighteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Shannon’s cause of death has not been revealedGetty
LEGENDARY commentary from Mike Shannon has resurfaced following the World Series Champion’s tragic death.
A third baseman and right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals for eight years, Shannon went on to become a cornerstone in the broadcasting booth for the franchise for half a century.
The Cardinals announced Shannon’s passing on Sunday in a tweet that called him “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.”
“Mike Shannon played for the Cardinals for nine seasons, and was vital to the team’s 1964 and 1967 World Series titles.
“He hit the final home run at Sportsman’s Park as well as the first Cardinals home run at Busch Memorial Stadium in 1966.
“After retirement, Shannon joined the Cardinals’ broadcast team in 1972, where he would spend 50 years as the team’s radio voice.
“His voice, stories and unbridled passion for the game became the soundtrack to Cardinals baseball for generations of fans.”
Following the devastating news, a recording of Shannon during the Cardinals’ 11-8 win over the Chicago Cubs on the Fourth of July 2003 went viral on Twitter.
Fans fondly reminisced about Shannon via the recording of Albert Pujols hitting a home run-off of Kerry Wood.
He said: “Swing and hello fourth of July! Take a ride on that knockdown pitch big boy!
“Kerry Wood knocked him down and now Albert looks at him as he goes around first, he gives him a glare.
“Say ‘Take a little whiff of that big boy!’
“And now, Kerry Wood takes a look at Albert as he touches them all.
“Give it to ’em big boy, give it to ’em. That’s how you play baseball. That’s when you’re a professional like Albert is.
“You don’t glare out there. You don’t throw your bat. You don’t charge the mound. You just take the next pitch and hit it into the seats.”
One fan responded, calling this “My favorite call from Mike Shannon. May he rest in peace.”
While another fan commented: “One of the best mike Shannon calls ever. RIP to the voice of cardinals baseball”
A further fan added: “I was just thinking about that. My favorite Mike Shannon call of all time!”
In nine seasons as a player, Shannon made 882 appearances for the Cardinals, winning both the 1964 and 1967 World Series’, and was eventually inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife Lori, his sons Tim, Michael Jr., and Dan, his daughters Patricia, Peg, and Erin, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Shannon is also survived by his eighteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
