Shannon returns to Cards' broadcast booth

ST. LOUIS -- Mike Shannon, the voice of the Cardinals, returned to the broadcast booth on Monday after missing nearly six weeks while he recovered from heart surgery. Shannon had his aortic valve replaced on Aug. 19.

"It's nice to have him back here for the stretch run," said John Rooney, Shannon's radio partner. "It's nice to have him here for meaningful games. He's got to be feeling better now that he has a valve pumping both ways. He already had a lot of energy, and now he should have even more."

Shannon, 74, is expected to ease back into his broadcasting duties, likely not calling a full game for some time. He has been a fixture in the Cardinals' broadcast booth since 1972 after playing in St. Louis from 1962-70. Shannon was a member of two World Series championship teams and has been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

"We miss seeing him around," manager Mike Matheny said. "I know that the fans miss listening to him. John Rooney has done a terrific job. [He's] got a great voice, got a great eye for the game, great knowledge. But I think St. Louis has been very accustomed to Mike's voice and stories. I know they're excited to get him back."