Mike Shannon, a.k.a. The Moon Man, has passed away after a decorated career as a Cardinals player and broadcaster. May he rest in peace.
Two-time World Series winner and legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Mike Shannon has passed away. The team announced his passing on Sunday but didn’t give a specific cause of death.
The homegrown Cardinals folk hero first joined St. Louis as a free agent in the 1950s, worked his way up to the big leagues, and spent nine years with the team from 1962 to 1970. Shannon’s playing career was unfortunately cut short due to a kidney disease diagnosis, though he did still win two World Series titles and played with Hall-of-Fame talents in Roger Maris and Stan Musial.
Shannon finished with 710 hits and 68 homers and slashed .255/.311/.387; he was eventually inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.
After Shannon’s playing career, he spent five decades in the broadcast booth, turning into one of the most familiar voices in St. Louis and developing a loyal following.
Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. released a statement following Shannon’s death:
“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.”
Shannon retired from color commentator duties after the 2021 season, but he clearly made a lasting impact on the Cardinals franchise as players, fans, and MLB community members paid their respects to the broadcasting legend.
MLB community mourns loss of Cardinals legendary broadcaster Mike Shannon
He was our voice, our friend, and an icon for generations.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 30, 2023
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Cardinals legend and St. Louis native son Mike Shannon. pic.twitter.com/4JPRbnUUaj
So many times I’ve travelled to other states only to hear that they fell in love with Cardinals baseball from listening to the great Mike Shannon on the radio. I’m thinking of his iconic cackle right now…”Heh heh big boy”. Rest in Peace
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) April 30, 2023
Rest in Peace to the great Mike Shannon.. one of the best to ever do it.. his voice I will never forget..it was a pleasure to get know him and call him a friend..he will be greatly missed..
— Matt Carpenter (@MattCarp13) May 1, 2023
A St. Louis legend. One of a kind. Rest in peace, Mike Shannon. pic.twitter.com/sH0eTjRNTG
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) April 30, 2023
One of the best mike Shannon calls ever. RIP to the voice of cardinals baseball pic.twitter.com/ztM7bUGn3I
— Alex Brinkmann (@alex_brinkmann3) April 30, 2023
RIP Mike Shannon💔 so many memories from my childhood with Mike behind the mic but if I had to choose one call, this one would be up there.
— Cardinals Talk (@theredbird_way) April 30, 2023
Nobody like him. Nobody better. pic.twitter.com/KwI08dKn5d
Mike Shannon WAS St Louis Cardinals baseball.
— Augie Nash | 🇺🇸 (@AugieNash) April 30, 2023
He entertained us on the field and in the booth.
He reinvented himself from an outfielder to a 3rd baseman because he put the team ahead of himself.
His days in the booth was the voice for several generations of fans - Iconic… pic.twitter.com/Mf40ur64kj
RIP to a true legend.