ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - I wrote the headline... and now I'm going to attempt to type the words.
I don't know how else to describe Mike Shannon, the voice of the Cardinals, who is actually so much bigger than that. He showed up on KMOX in 1971 and baseball on the radio was never the same.
There will never be another Mike Shannon.
Fifty years ago, the former Cardinal took the air with Jack Buck, having spent a brief amount of time in the team's promotions department, after his stellar career was cut short due to nephritis. The kidney ailment might have ended his playing days, but it did not stop Shannon from beginning a journey that would make him arguably the greatest ambassador in St. Louis history.
There isn't a soul who sold more Budweiser, hotel rooms and Cardinals tickets than Thomas Michael Shannon, the kid from South City. Shannon grew up a short walk from Ted Drewes, a St. Louis institution that serves up the world's best frozen custard. To this day, he's been seen standing in line at nearby Mom's Deli, arguably the best sandwich in the city. Now at age 82, when given the opportunity, Shannon will speak with youthful enthusiasm about the greatness and generosity of St. Louis citizens. He touts our tourist attractions like no one else. He is our biggest advocate.
And then there's his baseball knowledge.
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A member of the 1964 and 1967 World Champions, Shannon played outfield... and famously converted to third base when the Cardinals acquired Roger Maris in '67. Shannon worked extensively with legendary instructor George Kissell to perfect his skills at the position. He played for three of the greatest teams in Cardinals history ('64, '67 and '68), hitting home runs in all three World Series. He had an astoundingly strong arm. He was, without question, a winning player.
As a steward of the organization, Shannon brought his baseball savvy to the airwaves, explaining the game to Cardinals fans in a way that everyone could understand. He remains, today, as the most relatable Cardinal. He's local, he never sugarcoats a thing, always keeps the Cardinals' best interests at heart. Which means occasionally he will deliver a sharp criticism when warranted. Shannon is never shy about giving his opinion on baseball because he's truly one of the best "baseball men" you'll ever encounter.
But it's usually accompanied by his trademark chuckle.
Shannon could have been a Heisman Trophy candidate as a quarterback at Missouri, where he would have attended had he chosen to go the football route after CBC. Shannon was also a great basketball player for the Cadets. He graduated high school in 1957 as one of the best athletes in St. Louis. Instead, he couldn't help but go the route of Stan Musial and others who made the Cardinals tradition. Why baseball?
"Money," Shannon told me one day. And then added: "Heh, heh, heh."
We could spend an entire space on this website about Shannon's greatest calls. In fact, over the course of the next month, as his career officially winds down (and hopefully the Cardinals continue to advance) you'll be able to access them all. Glenn Brummer's steal of home. Numerous snares by Ozzie Smith at shortstop. Mark McGwire's historic No. 62 and 70. Fernando Tatis with two grand slams in one inning. Albert Pujols off Kerry Wood. Pujols off Brad Lidge. David Freese in Game 6. World Series winners. And all moments in between, before and after. Shannon's unforgettable calls painted a picture, but most importantly touched emotions that we all experienced and will never let go.
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For me, what does the name Mike Shannon mean? I think of his love for family. All of his children, grandchildren, family members and friends, hanging out in the back of the booth. I think of my dad, Bill Ackerman. They were born the same year, 1939. They both grew up in St. Louis, talked similarly and loved the game. I lost my dad in 1993, four years before I joined KMOX in 1997. When I began to work with the Cardinals broadcast that year, it was quite comforting to hear Mike on the air and it still is. It was even better when he took me under his wing.
One day, in spring training, Mike approached me and asked me to go to lunch. When I responded that my wife and daughters were coming to the ballpark to see me, he had one answer.
"Bring 'em!" Mike said.
I arrived at the restaurant a short time later... and Shannon (and Mike Claiborne) were already there. The table was set for the extra four of us. Shannon interacted with my girls and treated them like his own. It was an afternoon I will never forget.
The best dinner ever? The night before Game 1 of the World Series in Boston. Shannon (and John Rooney) held court as the rest of us enjoyed a meal with two of the best in the business. The next day, I soaked in every second as I stood behind Mike and watched him call the Fall Classic. I always jumped at the chance to sit behind him and see a game through his eyes.
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Never, not once, did he ever make me feel like I didn't belong. Mike treated me like an equal, recognizing my hard work in the clubhouse and rewarding me for giving it my all. I will never, ever forget that.
Today, as the voice of the Cardinals transitions into retirement, please know that he isn't going anywhere. He'll still be very present, just like the memorable nights of "Live at Shannon's" and celebrity guests at his restaurant. He'll still hold court. He'll still have the laugh. He'll still wear the red jacket and be the person everyone associated with the organization strives to be.
Mike Shannon, without question, is one of the greatest Cardinals of all time.
Mike, you are loved. And you are treasured, indeed.
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