John Rooney – St. Louis Cardinals Broadcaster Celebrates 20 Years Behind the Mic
When you turn on a Cardinals radio broadcast today, you’ll hear the familiar voice of John Rooney. Rooney has become a broadcasting institution in St. Louis. Now in his 20th season with the Cardinals, Rooney brings over five decades of broadcasting experience to the booth. The Richmond, Missouri native joined the Cardinals radio team in 2006 after spending 18 years with the Chicago White Sox. 2025 marks his impressive 54th year in broadcasting overall.
Rooney’s journey with the Cardinals organization began back in 1983 when he served as the play-by-play voice for the AAA Louisville Redbirds. His distinct delivery and storytelling ability have made him a fan favorite, though some listeners note his broadcasts with partner Ricky Horton have taken on an “old timer’s radio hour” quality in recent years. Regardless, his deep knowledge of baseball and the Cardinals franchise continues to inform and entertain listeners through each season’s ups and downs.
Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
John Rooney’s journey to becoming a beloved voice of Cardinal Nation began in small-town Missouri, where his passion for broadcasting took root at a remarkably young age and led him through various stations across the Midwest.
Hometown Roots and Education
John Rooney was born on January 30, 1955, in Cameron, Missouri, a small town in the northwestern part of the state. He later grew up in Richmond, Missouri, another rural community that helped shape his midwestern values and work ethic.
His small-town upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for the simpler things in life, including the crackling radio broadcasts that would become his life’s calling. Though details about his formal education are limited, his practical education in broadcasting began early. While most teenagers were focused on typical high school activities, Rooney was already laying the groundwork for his future career.
Initial Broadcasting Roles
Rooney’s professional broadcasting career officially began on August 21, 1971, at KLEX in Lexington, Missouri. What makes this remarkable is that he was only 16 years old when he started. His early career path took him through several Midwest markets including Pittsburg, Kansas; Okmulgee, Oklahoma; and Jefferson City, Missouri. He eventually landed in Columbia, Missouri, where he worked at KFRU, developing his distinctive play-by-play style calling Missouri Tigers college football and basketball games.
This period saw Rooney honing his craft across multiple sports and venues, building the foundation for what would become a Hall of Fame broadcasting career. His work with the Oklahoma City 89ers minor league baseball team further diversified his experience before bigger opportunities emerged.
Professional Career Development
John Rooney’s broadcasting journey has been marked by significant roles with major league baseball teams, establishing him as one of the most recognizable voices in sports radio.
Time with the Chicago White Sox
Rooney’s career reached new heights when he joined the Chicago White Sox broadcast team. He served as their play-by-play announcer for an impressive 18 years, becoming a familiar voice for White Sox fans.
During his tenure with the White Sox, Rooney developed his distinctive broadcasting style that combined detailed game analysis with engaging storytelling. His ability to paint a vivid picture of the action for radio listeners became his trademark.
The pinnacle of his White Sox career came in 2005 when he called the team’s World Series championship, their first since 1917. This historic achievement gave Rooney the opportunity to deliver one of baseball’s most memorable moments to listeners.
| Rooney’s White Sox Career | |
|---|---|
| Years | 1988-2005 |
| Games Called | ~2,900 |
| World Series | 1 (2005) |
Transition to the St. Louis Cardinals
In 2006, Rooney made a significant career move when he joined the St. Louis Cardinals radio broadcast team. This transition brought him to one of baseball’s most storied franchises and their flagship station KMOX.
His timing proved fortunate as the Cardinals won the World Championship in his first season. Rooney formed a memorable partnership with longtime Cardinals broadcaster Mike Shannon, creating a duo that Cardinals fans would enjoy for years.
Rooney’s deep knowledge of baseball history and his ability to weave stories between pitches made him a perfect fit for Cardinals baseball. His familiar catchphrase “That’s a winner!” after Cardinals victories became a fan favorite.
Over the years, Rooney has continued to evolve as a broadcaster while maintaining the classic radio style that has made him so successful throughout his career. His voice remains synonymous with Cardinals baseball for fans throughout the Midwest.
Broadcasting Philosophy and Style
John Rooney’s broadcasting approach combines deep baseball knowledge with a storytelling ability that has become his trademark during his extensive career with the Cardinals. His distinctive voice and methodical delivery have made him a beloved figure among St. Louis fans.
Approach to Play-By-Play Announcing
Rooney brings a meticulous attention to detail in his 54-year broadcasting career, delivering play-by-play with precision and clarity. His style emphasizes setting the scene for listeners, painting a vivid picture of the action that radio audiences can visualize.
His classic “That’s a winner!” call after Cardinals victories has become iconic in St. Louis. Rooney’s preparation is legendary among peers – he arrives hours before first pitch to interview players and study statistics.
What separates Rooney from many broadcasters is his ability to blend traditional broadcasting techniques with modern analytics. He introduces advanced metrics without overwhelming casual fans, making complex baseball concepts accessible to all listeners.
Partnerships in the Radio Booth
Rooney’s collaboration with former Cardinals pitcher Ricky Horton has created what some fans affectionately call an “old timer’s radio hour” atmosphere. Their chemistry builds on Rooney’s previous successful partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Shannon from 2006-2021.
Before joining the Cardinals in 2006, Rooney called Chicago White Sox games for 18 years. This experience with different broadcast partners helped shape his collaborative approach.
Rooney’s flexibility stands out – he adapts his style to complement his partners’ strengths. With Shannon, he played the straight man to Mike’s colorful commentary. With Horton, he shares more baseball stories while still maintaining the broadcast’s professional flow.
His national work with ESPN Radio and Sports USA Radio calling NFL games has further refined his ability to work seamlessly with various broadcast partners.
Achievements and Recognition
John Rooney has built an impressive career in sports broadcasting, earning acclaim for his play-by-play announcing and receiving recognition from prestigious organizations in the industry.
Awards and Accolades
Rooney’s talent behind the microphone has earned him significant recognition throughout his distinguished career. He achieved a major league first by calling consecutive World Series championships for different teams – a remarkable feat in baseball broadcasting.
The veteran announcer has been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the state’s rich sports history. His contributions to broadcasting have also been acknowledged by the Missouri Broadcasters Association with a Hall of Fame induction.
Rooney’s exceptional career includes calling five World Series for three different organizations, demonstrating his versatility and sustained excellence in the booth.
Legacy in Sports Broadcasting
Rooney’s broadcasting journey spans decades, with his most notable tenures being 18 seasons with the Chicago White Sox followed by joining the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. His arrival in St. Louis came at a perfect time, as the Cardinals captured the 2006 World Series immediately after Rooney had called the White Sox championship in 2005.
His distinct voice and meticulous preparation have made him a beloved fixture for Cardinals fans. Growing up in Richmond, a small town in northwest Missouri, Rooney brings authentic Midwestern sensibilities to his broadcasts.
Notable Broadcasting Achievements:
- Called consecutive World Series wins (2005 White Sox, 2006 Cardinals)
- Broadcast experience spans multiple major sports organizations
- Known for his trademark “That’s a winner!” call after Cardinals victories
- Celebrated for his clear, descriptive play-by-play style
Personal Life
John Rooney’s life outside the broadcast booth centers around his family relationships, showcasing the personal side of the veteran Cardinals announcer.
Family and Relationships
John Rooney shares his life with his wife, Susan. Susan has been his partner throughout his broadcasting career. The couple has built a strong foundation while John traveled extensively covering baseball games across the country.
Together, John and Susan have raised two daughters – Colleen and Rachel. Both daughters grew up with baseball as a significant part of their family life, with their father’s voice being heard on radios throughout the Midwest.
Rooney received a prestigious honor in 2021. He was inducted into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
While maintaining a public persona as the voice of the Cardinals since 2006, Rooney has kept much of his family life private. He has balanced his prominent career with personal time.
