The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame joins with the family of Mike Shanahan and the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues in mourning the passing of its former Chairman. Shanahan passed away Monday at age 78.
Shanahan was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1997, the second induction class under President & Executive Director Jerald Andrews. The Class of 1997 included St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith, Kansas City Royals closer Dan Quisenberry and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.
“He made an impact on me that I’ll never forget,” Andrews said of Shanahan. “He was just one of the most professional and classiest individuals I’ve ever inducted, let alone met.”
At his induction, Shanahan praised the Hall of Fame’s efforts for a first-class event and also offered a glimpse as to why his personable touch won over Blues fans. When he took the stage knowing full well the elite names of the Class of 1997, Shanahan joked, “I know you all turned out to see me.”
That was the first year the Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement drew a crowd of more than 1,000.
Shanahan, who also was financially supportive of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in numerous other ways, certainly was deserving of induction.
A former member of St. Louis University’s 1959 and 1960 NCAA championship soccer teams, Shanahan went on to a successful business career in his hometown. He carried over that success to the NHL by immediately building up a rapport with fans once he became General Partner, Chairman and Governor for the Blues in 1986.
Under his leadership, the Blues became far more aggressive in building their roster, including trading for Brett Hull, who emerged one of their most iconic players in team history. Shanahan sold his ownership stake in 1990 but was retained as Chairman until 1995.
He won numerous awards throughout his business career, including the Bob Bauman Sportsmanship Award, Jack Buck Award and the Sportsman of the Year Award from the St. Louis Ambassadors. He also served on numerous boards in the St. Louis area.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
