ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mike Shannon, the former St. Louis Cardinals third baseman who has been a broadcaster for the team for more than 40 years, is recovering after heart surgery.

The Cardinals said Wednesday that the 74-year-old Shannon is resting comfortably. The team says he had successful surgery Monday to replace his aorta valve.

Shannon, in a statement through the team, thanked well-wishers and said he expects to return to the broadcast booth before the end of the regular season.

Shannon played on three World Series teams during a nine-year career from 1962 to 1970, all with St. Louis. He hit .255 with 68 homers for his career.

He joined the radio broadcast starting in 1972, paired for many years with Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck.