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‘YOU CAN'T EVEN DREAM THAT GOOD'
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By Christine Imbs
“This is Mike Shannon,” he answers—in that voice.
For 32 years his voice has been a front row seat for Cardinals fans everywhere, synonymous with the crack of a bat and a long, hard drive up center field.
Shannon has been with the Cardinals organization for the past 46 years. And in a baseball town like St. Louis, that kind of passion and loyalty is valued. Maybe that’s why so many fans feel a connection to him.
“I love it,” he says. “It’s given me the opportunity to meet and talk with a lot of wonderful people.”
Take, for example, the little girl looking for the perfect gift for her 80-year-old grandmother’s birthday. Because her grandmother was an avid Cardinals fan, the girl decided a card from the team would be ideal. Shannon says the card was not only sent—but it was signed by the entire 1967 World Series lineup.
“That’s the great thing about this business,” Shannon says. “What it allows us to do for people like that.”
Shannon knows what it’s like to feel thrilled beyond belief. His turn came during the 1964 World Series. “To begin with, I was playing in the World Series in my own hometown against the mighty New York Yankees,” he remembers. “But then, in the first game of the series, I hit a home run off of Hall of Famer Whitey Ford. You can’t even dream that good.”
Unfortunately, his playing days came to an end in 1970 when Shannon was diagnosed with a severe kidney disorder. After playing in 52 games that year, doctors told him he was through. His career as a player lasted from 1962 to 1970, during which the team captured three pennant wins and two World Series Championships. Altogether, he had appeared in 879 games with 2,780 career at bats, 710 hits and a .255 lifetime average.
“Of course I would have liked to play longer and maybe put up better numbers, but I don’t have anything to complain about,” Shannon says. “I just went in another direction, plain and simple.”
After a year spent in the Cardinals front office, Shannon was offered a spot next to Jack Buck in the KMOX broadcasting booth. Being a color analyst was different, but it was still baseball. “Sure it was a bit of a transition. But I knew the game pretty well,” he says. “I also had Jack Buck there to help out. If you want a teacher, he’s a good one to have.”
The versatility he showed as a player (he covered the infield, the outfield and even caught on occasion) also contributed to his success as an announcer. Shannon has broadcast for radio and television, two decidedly different forms of media. Given the choice, he prefers radio. “Baseball is a game that’s really made for radio. I think with radio you can catch the flavor of the game better. Plus it’s easier to carry with you,” he chuckles.
Shannon is also known for the fine dining establishment that bears his name, Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood. Located a stone’s throw from the ballpark in downtown St. Louis, the restaurant boasts of award-winning food and a seemingly endless supply of priceless sports memorabilia.
Looking back, Shannon says he has no regrets. He calls being the voice of the Cardinals “The best job in America.” Who wouldn’t? After all, his office is the ballpark. And recently, President George W. Bush stopped in for a visit.
“Again, that’s what’s so great about this business. It allows us to meet a lot of wonderful people, from presidents right on down to the little girl who wanted a birthday card for her grandmother,” he says. “I enjoyed talking with the President, but it wasn’t quite as nice as talking with that granddaughter.”
TALKING POINTS
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BORN: July 15, 1939, South St. Louis.
FAMILY: Married, with six children.
BASEBALL PLAYER HE MOST ADMIRES: Stan “The Man” Musial.
FAVORITE CARDINALS MANAGER: Johnny Keane, who managed from 1961-64.
FAVORITE BOOKS: Political and historical books.
FAVORITE BOOKS ON BASEBALL: Anything by George Will. “He goes into the philosophies and thinking of the game.”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “Saving Private Ryan.”
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Fishing, hunting and playing golf.
FAVORITE VACATION: Driving the back roads in little towns.
FAVORITE BASEBALL TEAM TO PLAY AGAINST: Chicago Cubs.
FAVORITE CARDINAL TEAM: “The 1967 team, because it was so proficient.”
FAVORITE CHARITIES: “For the past 30 years, the Mike Shannon Scholarship Fund, which helps educate individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford it.”
FAVORITE THING ABOUT ST. LOUIS: “It’s a great place to raise a family.” |
Christine Imbs is a St. Louis-based freelance writer. |
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