Mike Shannon – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mike Shannon’s baseball career ended unexpectedly in 1970, and not for the usual reasons. The St. Louis Cardinals’ third baseman and outfielder had to hang up his cleats at just 31 because of a serious kidney condition, glomerulonephritis, that threatened his life.

Shannon’s retirement closed out a nine-season run with his hometown Cardinals. He played a crucial part in two World Series championships before kidney disease cut his playing days short. A routine spring training physical in 1970 uncovered a condition so severe, doctors weren’t sure if Shannon would survive, much less play ball again.

St. Louis born and bred, Shannon’s story didn’t stop when he left the field. He moved into a broadcasting career that lasted nearly five decades.

His journey from promising athlete, sidelined by illness, to one of baseball’s most loved radio voices, really shows how fragile sports careers can be—and how much grit it takes to reinvent yourself after life throws a curveball.

Early Life and Background

Mike Shannon grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and turned into one of the state’s top multi-sport athletes. He stood out in football, basketball, and baseball at Christian Brothers College High School, grabbing statewide attention and eventually choosing pro baseball over other sports.

Birthplace and Family

Thomas Michael Shannon was born July 15, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri. He came first in the family, the son of Thomas W. Shannon and Elizabeth (Richason) Shannon.

His dad worked as a police officer while going to law school. Even with that crazy schedule, Thomas W. Shannon still found time to help his son build his athletic skills.

Mike went to Epiphany of Our Lord parish school for elementary. The Shannons kept their roots in the St. Louis community during his childhood.

His father’s commitment to work, education, and his son’s athletic growth set the tone for the family. That St. Louis foundation mattered, since Shannon would later wear a Cardinals uniform.

Education and Multi-Sport Talent

Shannon attended Christian Brothers College High School in Clayton, Missouri. He became a standout in three sports—football, basketball, and baseball.

As a senior, he started at quarterback for the undefeated football team. He earned high school All-American honors in football that year.

He pulled off something rare by winning Missouri prep Player of the Year honors in both football and basketball in the same year. No one else has ever done that in different sports in the same season.

Shannon always felt he was actually a better football player than a baseball player back then.

Colleges from all over the country noticed his versatility and skill. He had scholarship options in multiple sports thanks to his success.

Path to Professional Baseball

Shannon originally planned to play football in college. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Missouri after schools nationwide tried to recruit him.

But in the late 1950s, baseball offered better professional opportunities. “Back then, there wasn’t any money in football,” Shannon recalled. “If there would have been, I would have stayed with football.”

Stan Musial influenced Shannon’s decision. Musial, whose son Dick played with Shannon in high school, advised him about baseball’s bonus rules and encouraged him to wait for better offers.

In June 1958, Shannon signed with the St. Louis Cardinals for about $50,000, way more than the $8,000 other teams had offered.

“I liked football, but baseball was always my first love,” Shannon said later. The Cardinals sent the 17-year-old straight to Albany, Georgia, to play in the Class D Georgia-Florida League and kick off his pro career.

Major League Baseball Career

Mike Shannon spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1962 to 1970, all with the St. Louis Cardinals. He moved from the outfield to third base and played in three World Series for the Cardinals—in 1964, 1967, and 1968.

Debut with St. Louis Cardinals

Shannon debuted in the majors on September 11, 1962, at 23, facing the Cincinnati Reds. The St. Louis native went 1-for-4 in his first game after the Cardinals drafted him earlier that year.

He only played 10 games as a rookie, with 16 plate appearances. Shannon managed just 2 hits in 15 at-bats for a .133 batting average. He split his time between left and right field.

In 1963, he showed more promise, though playing time stayed limited. Shannon played in 32 games, batted .308 with 8 hits in 26 at-bats, and hit his first big-league home run.

Key Seasons and Position Changes

Shannon broke out in 1964, becoming a regular starter. He played 88 games, hit .261 with 9 home runs and 43 RBIs, and helped the Cardinals win the World Series against the Yankees.

In 1966, Shannon posted his best offensive numbers. He hit .288 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs in 137 games. His OPS hit .801, the highest of his career, and he racked up 3.1 WAR.

Career Highlights by Season:

• 1964: World Series champion, .261 average
• 1966: Career-high 16 home runs, .288 average
• 1968: MVP voting (7th place), 153 hits

Shannon’s 1968 season stood out. He played all 156 games, finished seventh in NL MVP voting, and hit .266 with 15 homers and 79 RBIs. He helped the Cardinals reach another World Series.

Role as Third Baseman and Right Fielder

Shannon started out as an outfielder but eventually moved to third base. He played mostly right field early on before switching to the infield. By 1968, he had taken over as the Cardinals’ regular third baseman.

The Cardinals valued Shannon’s defensive versatility. He handled both corner infield and outfield spots well. He posted a .950 career fielding percentage and turned 62 double plays.

Moving to third let Shannon bring more value to the team. He had a strong arm and good range for the position. He built a reputation for steady defense and handling pressure.

Shannon’s bat stayed reliable no matter where he played. He finished his career with a .255 average, 68 home runs, and 367 RBIs. His best years came after he settled in at third base.

Career-Ending Illness and Retirement in 1970

Shannon’s playing days ended early thanks to kidney disease. The team put him on the disabled list several times during the 1970 season as his health got worse.

His last season’s numbers showed the impact. Shannon hit just .213 in 55 games, with no home runs and 22 RBIs. He bounced on and off the disabled list throughout the year.

Shannon played his final game on August 12, 1970, at 31. The kidney condition made it impossible to keep going. He officially retired after that season.

That early retirement cut short what could have been an even better career. Shannon ended up with 710 career hits and three World Series appearances. His health issues kept him from reaching bigger milestones.

World Series Contributions and Achievements

Mike Shannon played a huge role in the Cardinals’ World Series success in the 1960s. He helped them win championships in 1964 and 1967, and reach the 1968 World Series. His most famous moment? That game-tying homer in Game One of the ’64 Series against the Yankees.

1964 World Series Performance

Shannon’s breakout World Series moment came in Game One at Busch Stadium against the Yankees. In the sixth inning, facing the legendary Whitey Ford, Shannon hit a clutch home run that tied the game 4-4.

The ball sailed over the left-field wall and smashed into the BUDWEISER sign on the 75-foot scoreboard. “That homer gave me the biggest thrill of my life,” Shannon said back then.

His home run sparked a rally and led to a 9-5 Cardinals victory. The shot was so powerful, it caused over $4,000 in damage to the scoreboard.

Shannon struggled at the plate the rest of the series, finishing with a .214 average and six hits in seven games. He struck out five times in a row at one point.

Even so, Shannon helped defensively, making two outfield assists. In Game Seven, he pulled off a double steal with Tim McCarver and later scored on a Dal Maxvill single as the Cardinals clinched the title.

1967 and 1968 World Series Highlights

Shannon helped the Cardinals get to two more World Series—winning it all in 1967, falling short in 1968. By then, he’d moved from right field to third base to fill team needs.

The 1967 Series brought Shannon his second championship ring. His willingness to switch positions showed his value to the team.

In 1968, Shannon had his best individual season, finishing seventh in MVP voting. The Cardinals won the pennant but lost to the Tigers in seven games.

Shannon’s last World Series at-bat came in Game Seven of ’68, when he hit his third postseason home run. That homer capped his World Series playing career on a high note.

Legacy in Cardinals Postseason History

Shannon’s World Series impact didn’t end with his playing days—he kept contributing as a broadcaster. He was part of 10 Cardinals World Series teams, three as a player and seven as a radio announcer.

His 1964 home run off Whitey Ford still stands as one of the most memorable moments in Cardinals World Series history. That dramatic blast helped cement Shannon as a hometown hero in St. Louis.

Shannon’s three World Series homers showed he could deliver in big moments. His readiness to switch positions for the team’s good reflected the selfless attitude that helped shape the Cardinals’ championship culture.

The mix of his playing days and long broadcasting career made Shannon a Cardinals postseason fixture for more than fifty years.

Career Statistics and Playing Style

Mike Shannon put up solid numbers in his nine seasons with the Cardinals, posting a .255 batting average, 68 home runs, and 367 RBIs in 882 games. He played both outfield and third base, and his strong throwing arm made him a defensive asset for championship teams.

Batting and Offensive Performance

Shannon’s offensive production was steady, if not spectacular, from 1962 to 1970. He kept a .255 career average and racked up 710 hits over 882 games.

He hit 68 home runs and drove in 367 runs. Shannon drew 224 walks, showing some plate discipline, though he also struck out 525 times.

Key Offensive Statistics:

• Batting Average: .255
• Home Runs: 68
• RBIs: 367
• Runs Scored: 313
• Hits: 710

Shannon’s most memorable offensive moment? That Game One homer in the 1964 World Series off Whitey Ford, the one that banged off the BUDWEISER sign at Busch Stadium.

His hitting could be streaky. In July 1964, he hit .351 with 17 RBIs, but cooled off to .203 in August.

Fielding and Defensive Highlights

Shannon’s defensive versatility stood out as one of his most valuable assets. He handled both right field and third base with confidence, and that powerful throwing arm of his really let him shine at several positions.

As an outfielder, Shannon showed off his arm strength. In 1964, he racked up seven outfield assists, gunning down baserunners who dared to take that extra base.

On August 8, 1965, he made an emergency catching appearance that really showed his adaptability. After Bob Uecker split his thumb, Shannon jumped in behind the plate and managed five different pitchers, including knuckleballer Barney Schultz.

Later in his career, he switched over to third base. Shannon took on the challenge, learning the position just to give the Cardinals more defensive options.

Some of his defensive highlights were pretty memorable. He once turned a double play as an emergency catcher, tagging out Willie Mays at home and then throwing out Jim Ray Hart at third.

Notable Records and Accolades

Shannon’s career achievements mostly revolved around his role on championship teams, not individual stats. He won two World Series titles with the Cardinals in 1964 and 1967.

In the 1964 World Series, he homered off Whitey Ford in Game One. He also pulled off a double steal with Tim McCarver in Game Seven, scoring a crucial run in the Cardinals’ victory.

Shannon played on three pennant-winning teams: 1964, 1967, and 1968. He brought playoff experience to the table during all those championship runs.

Championship Achievements:

• World Series Winner: 1964, 1967
• National League Pennant Winner: 1964, 1967, 1968

His rookie season in 1964 really mattered for both him and the team. Shannon’s clutch hitting helped the Cardinals erase an 11-game gap behind Philadelphia and win the pennant on the very last day.

Shannon never picked up individual awards like All-Star nods, but his steady contributions to winning teams made him a key role player in Cardinals history.

Life After Baseball Retirement

Mike Shannon found a new path after playing, first in the front office and then, more famously, in the broadcast booth. For 50 years, he was the radio voice of the St. Louis Cardinals, and fans came to know him as one of baseball’s most respected broadcasters.

Transition to Cardinals Front Office

Kidney disease forced Shannon to end his playing days in 1970, but he stayed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He spent a year working in the promotions department.

That job kept him close to the team while he figured out his next steps. It also gave him a look at the business side of baseball, which was a whole new world after playing.

Shannon’s year in promotions bridged the gap between his time on the field and his future in broadcasting. The Cardinals organization valued his baseball smarts and his bond with fans.

Working in the front office helped Shannon get a feel for how teams operate. This experience came in handy later when he discussed team moves and baseball business on the air.

Start of Broadcasting Career

In 1972, Shannon joined the Cardinals radio team as an analyst. He wasted no time making a name for himself, using his playing background to add color and insight.

The Cardinals had wanted Don Drysdale for the job, but Drysdale’s national contract kept him from taking it. That twist of fate opened the door for Shannon.

He stayed in the broadcast booth for exactly 50 years, from 1972 to 2021. As a broadcaster, he covered seven World Series teams, adding to the three he played on.

Shannon picked up an Emmy Award in 1985 for his Cardinals telecasts. Fans loved his storytelling ability and the way he broke down the game.

“I will always be a Cardinal. I think I personify the Cardinals fan-ship,” Shannon once said about his long run with the team.

Legacy and Impact

Mike Shannon left a mark on St. Louis baseball that goes way beyond stats. His decades of community involvement and cultural impact, along with his dual career as player and broadcaster, shaped the Cardinals for more than sixty years.

Contributions to St. Louis Community

Shannon’s connection to St. Louis ran deep, way past the ballpark. In the 1980s, he started a chain of restaurants around the city. These spots quickly became hangouts for Cardinals fans and locals alike.

His roots in St. Louis go back to his school days. Shannon attended Christian Brothers College High School, where he played several sports. The school later named its baseball stadium after him, which says a lot about his legacy.

Even after retirement, Shannon stayed active with Cardinals alumni events and local gatherings. His presence at team and fan events kept the spirit alive between generations of Cardinals supporters.

Everyone in St. Louis knows his catchphrase, “Get Up.” Fans would shout it during games, and it became a little tradition that tied Shannon to the city.

Recognition and Honors

Shannon picked up plenty of awards for his work in baseball and broadcasting. He won a local Emmy Award in 1985 for his TV work.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inducted him in 1999. He joined the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.

Broadcasting groups named him Missouri Sportscaster of the Year in 2002 and 2003. These honors recognized his unique style and sharp commentary.

After his death, MLB commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. called Shannon “a beloved figure in the rich history of the St. Louis Cardinals.”

Lasting Influence on Baseball Culture

Shannon spent 50 years behind the mic, shaping a voice that baseball radio fans still remember. People still talk about his colorful commentary and those famous “Shannonisms”—they’ve become part of Cardinals culture.

From 1972 to 2002, he teamed up with the legendary Jack Buck. Honestly, their chemistry and deep knowledge made Cardinals radio a must for any St. Louis baseball fan.

Shannon didn’t just talk about the game—he played it. Not many people make that jump from player to broadcaster. He brought an insider’s view, explaining the game in ways only someone who’s been on the field can.

He played on championship teams in ’64 and ’67, and that history gave his words extra weight. Fans trusted him, maybe because he lived it.

Shannon spent 64 seasons with the Cardinals organization, which is just wild. You don’t see that kind of loyalty much in professional sports.