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Mike ShannonFormer American baseball player, radio host
Date of Birth: 15.07.1939
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Michael Shannon's Early Life and Education
- Football Aspiration
- Baseball Career
- - In 1967, he hit a home run off Gary Bell of the Boston Red Sox.
- Post-Playing Career
- Broadcasting Career
- Recognition and Legacy
Michael Shannon's Early Life and Education
Michael Thomas "Mike" Shannon was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Missouri but left before graduating to pursue a career in sports.
Football Aspiration
Shannon originally excelled in football and harbored aspirations of staying in Missouri if football players were paid more. His former coach, Frank Broyles, believed Shannon had the potential to win the Heisman Trophy.
Baseball Career
In 1962, Shannon began his professional baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He became the team's starting right fielder in 1964 and moved to third base in 1967 to make room for Roger Maris. Shannon played in three World Series with the Cardinals, making significant contributions in each.
- In 1964, he tied the game against the New York Yankees, leading to a 9-5 victory.
- In 1967, he hit a home run off Gary Bell of the Boston Red Sox.
- In 1968, he hit another key home run against Mickey Lolich of the Detroit Tigers.
Post-Playing Career
In 1970, Shannon was diagnosed with nephritis, a kidney disease, which ended his baseball career. However, he returned to the Cardinals in 1971 as the team's promotions director.
Broadcasting Career
Shannon joined legendary broadcaster Jack Buck on AM 1120 KMOX for nearly three decades, providing colorful commentary on Cardinals radio broadcasts. After Buck's death in 2002, Shannon became the lead broadcaster, paired with Joel Meyers, Wayne Hagin, and John Rooney. In 2006, the Cardinals' broadcast rights moved to AM 550 KTRS, where Shannon continued his role.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1985, Shannon received an Emmy Award for his broadcasting. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. Additionally, he owns a steak and seafood restaurant named "Mike Shannon's Steaks and Seafood" in downtown St. Louis.
