Former Cardinals star and Hall of Fame broadcaster dies at 81

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMIZ)

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced that former St. Louis Cardinals catcher and Hall of Fame broadcaster, Tim McCarver, died at the age of 81 on Thursday.

McCarver died in his hometown of Memphis, Tenn. on Thursday morning.

McCarver spent his 21 year MLB career with both the Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies. He won two World Series rings in St. Louis in 1964 and 1967. After he hung up his cleats in 1980, he began a legendary career as a broadcaster. In his 34 years on the microphone, he won three Emmy Awards and was the lead color commentator for 23 World Series broadcasts.

In his playing career, the former catcher was a two-time All-Star and a runner up for the National League MVP in 1967. In that near-MVP year, he hit .295 and had 14 home runs and 69 RBI.

He caught for fellow Red Birds legend Bob Gibson, as well. However, he did not end his time as a player in St. Louis, as the Cardinals traded him to the Phillies in in 1969. He caught for his second Hall of Famer in the city of brotherly love, as he worked closely with Steve Carlton.

McCarver is survived by his wife and two daughters.