Thomas Michael Shannon, popularly known as Mike Shannon, was an American professional baseball third baseman and right fielder who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1962 to 1970. After retiring from baseball, Shannon became a beloved Cardinals radio broadcaster from 1972 to 2021. He was an integral part of some of the Cards’ most successful seasons during the 1960s, and his passion for the game and the St. Louis community was unmatched.
On April 29, 2023, Shannon passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind his loved ones, fans, and colleagues who remember him fondly. In a statement released through MLB.com, Bill DeWitt Jr, the owner and CEO of the St. Louis Cardinals, expressed his condolences on the death of Mike Shannon, who was not only a Hall of Famer but also a beloved member of the St. Louis community. DeWitt Jr stated that Shannon’s deep passion for baseball, the Cardinals, and the local community was evident in his strong connection with fans and teammates. The entire Cardinals organization offered their sympathies to Shannon’s family, friends, and numerous fans.
Know About Mike Shannon’s Wife
Shannon was married twice in his life. His first wife, Judy Ann (Bufe), was his high school sweetheart whom he married and shared 48 years of marriage. According to a close family friend, Judy was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and the pair had six children together, 14 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren at the time of her death. Tragically, Judy died in July 2007 at the age of 66 after battling brain cancer for about a year.
The St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa and Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. both offered their condolences to the Shannon family on the loss of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Judy was remembered by many for her kindness, warmth, and generosity.
After the death of his first wife, Shannon then tied the knot with Lori Bergman in 2015. Lori Bergman is an American businesswoman and entrepreneur who has been working as the travel company Destination Travel CEO for the past 25 years. She is estimated to be between 65 to 75 years old. Shannon is survived by his two sons, three daughters, 18 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, along with his second wife Lori.
Mike Shannon and Lori Bergman began dating in 2010, and they eventually got married in 2015. Shannon’s second marriage brought happiness back into his life, and he enjoyed a blissful married life with Lori. Although Shannon’s togetherness with Judy did not last forever, he found a new companion and love in Lori.
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Know About Mike Shannon’s Legacy
Mike Shannon was more than just a baseball player and broadcaster. He was a beloved figure in the St. Louis community, known for his warmth, passion, and unwavering dedication to the Cardinals. His unique connection to Cardinals fans and his teammates was reflected in his unbridled passion for the game, the Cardinals, and the St. Louis community.
Shannon was not only a sports legend but also an entrepreneur who owned the famous Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood restaurant in downtown St. Louis until it closed in 2016. He continued to operate two Mike Shannon’s Grill locations, one in Edwardsville, Illinois, and the other at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, which was run by his grandson, Justin VanMatre.
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Shannon received numerous accolades throughout his life. He was awarded a local Emmy award for his contributions in 1985 and was given several sportscaster titles as well. Shannon’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, colleagues, and countless fans who remember him fondly. The St. Louis Cardinals organization honored Shannon’s life and legacy by offering their condolences to his family and friends and his many fans.