As a beloved player and broadcaster, Missouri native Mike Shannon has been a Cardinal Legend for over 50 years. He played with the Cardinals for his entire 9 year career. He was a part of 2 World Champion teams and one National League Champion team. He played with some of the greatest Cardinals of all time: Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, Curt Flood, and Roger Maris … just to name a few.

He was not the greatest hitter in the game but in 9 seasons hit 68 homers, drove in 367, and batted a career line of .255.  His best season was in 1966 when he batted .288 with 16 homers and 64 RBI’s. Shannon hit the last home run in Sportsmans Park (Busch Stadium I) Shannon was only 30 years old when he retired from playing baseball after being diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and he then took his career in a different direction.

Shannon joined the Cardinals broadcasting staff just a season after retirement. He was paired with HOF broadcaster Jack Buck for nearly 30 years. Shannon is known mainly for his “Shannonisms” some of these include:

Broadcasting from New York under a full moon:
“I wish you folks back in St. Louis could see this moon.”

“I wouldn’t have seen it if I hadn’t believed it.”

Joe Buck: “Mike, the Cardinals would like to welcome a group of 19 French foreign exchange students in Section 382.”
Mike: “Where’re they from, Joe?”
Joe: “Uhh, France, I think.”

Shannon continues to broadcast for the Cardinals on the mighty KMOX. Shannon has been inducted into the Missouri Hall of Fame and won an Emmy for his work in 1985.   He also owns Mike Shannons Steak and Seafood restaurant. He is truly a longtime Cardinal who will forever be known for his sense of humor and his bat that helped lead two Cardinals teams to the World Series victory.