Tom Ackerman – St. Louis Cardinals Announcer Celebrates 25 Years Behind the Mic

When it comes to St. Louis baseball coverage, few voices are as recognizable as Tom Ackerman. As the Sports Director at KMOX Radio, Ackerman oversees the department that serves as the flagship station for the St. Louis Cardinals, bringing the excitement of every pitch and swing to dedicated fans across the region. His deep connection to Cardinals baseball has made him an institution in St. Louis sports media.

Beyond his directorial duties, Ackerman has expanded his role to include broadcasting for the Cardinals organization, further cementing his relationship with the storied franchise. His presence on KMOX’s Cardinals broadcasts provides listeners with insightful commentary that comes from years of covering the team through championships, rebuilding years, and everything in between. Fans have come to trust his perspective during pre-game shows, post-game analysis, and his regular sports programming that keeps Cardinals Nation informed year-round.

Tom Ackerman’s Early Life and Education

Tom Ackerman’s journey to becoming a respected sports broadcaster began at a young age, with his passion for sports media developing during his high school years before he refined his skills through formal education at Indiana University.

Early Interest in Sports Broadcasting

Tom Ackerman’s broadcasting career has humble beginnings in St. Louis. His first experience behind a microphone came when he was just a sophomore at St. Louis Country Day School. This early opportunity in the press box sparked what would become a lifelong passion for sports broadcasting.

During these formative years, Ackerman developed the foundational skills that would later define his professional career. His high school experience gave him a taste of what sports broadcasting entailed – the preparation, the quick thinking, and the ability to paint pictures with words.

These early experiences proved valuable, setting him on a path toward a career that would eventually lead him to become a voice of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Formal Education at Indiana University

Ackerman furthered his broadcasting education at Indiana University Bloomington, where he majored in Telecommunications from 1993 to 1997. IU’s renowned sports media program provided the perfect environment for him to hone his craft.

At Indiana, he immersed himself in both classroom learning and practical broadcasting experience. The university’s strong tradition in sports journalism gave Ackerman access to mentors and opportunities that shaped his professional approach.

His time at IU coincided with some exciting years in Hoosier athletics, giving him plenty of material to practice his craft. The education he received there prepared him for his future role as Sports Director and Morning Host at KMOX Sports.

The connections and skills developed during these college years would prove instrumental in his later success as a Cardinals broadcaster and respected voice in St. Louis sports media.

Broadcasting Career Beginnings

Tom Ackerman’s journey in sports broadcasting has deep roots that started well before his time with the St. Louis Cardinals. His early career path established the foundation for his eventual rise to prominence in St. Louis sports media.

Entrance to KMOX Radio

Tom Ackerman’s broadcasting career didn’t begin at KMOX. He cut his teeth in college radio, calling play-by-play for Indiana University basketball, football, and baseball at WIUS-AM in Bloomington from 1993 to 1997. This college experience proved invaluable, giving him the technical skills and on-air presence that would later define his professional work.

The transition to KMOX, the legendary St. Louis radio station, marked a significant step in Ackerman’s career trajectory. KMOX’s reputation as a broadcasting powerhouse, particularly in sports coverage, provided the perfect platform for his talents.

At KMOX, Ackerman joined a storied broadcasting team that included the legendary Jack Buck, who had been with the Cardinals since 1954. Working alongside such broadcasting royalty helped shape Ackerman’s approach to sports coverage.

Rise to Sports Director

Ackerman’s talent and dedication at KMOX didn’t go unnoticed. His comprehensive knowledge of sports, particularly baseball, and his engaging broadcasting style earned him increasing responsibilities at the station.

His career trajectory accelerated as he demonstrated versatility across multiple sports beats. Not only did he cover the Cardinals, but he also developed expertise in other St. Louis sports, including the Blues.

Eventually, Ackerman’s professional growth culminated in his appointment as Sports Director at KMOX. In this role, he oversees the department that serves as the flagship station for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Saint Louis Blues broadcasts.

The director position placed Ackerman in charge of the station’s sports programming, a significant responsibility given KMOX’s importance to Cardinals fans. His leadership has maintained KMOX’s reputation for quality sports coverage in the St. Louis market.

Tom Ackerman and the St. Louis Cardinals

Tom Ackerman serves as the Sports Director at KMOX Radio in St. Louis, the flagship station for Cardinals broadcasts. His connection to the team extends beyond regular season coverage to include spring training and specialized programming.

Covering the Cardinals

As KMOX Sports Director, Ackerman has become a trusted voice for Cardinals fans throughout the season. He oversees the department that handles all Cardinals broadcasts, ensuring quality coverage for one of baseball’s most storied franchises.

Ackerman’s work extends beyond just game calls. He regularly hosts radio shows dedicated to the Cardinals, providing insights during both winning streaks and challenging times. His recent coverage included analysis of the team’s surprising performance when they stunned with a dominant sweep during a crucial series.

The 2024 season has been particularly interesting for Ackerman’s commentary, as he and colleague Kevin Wheeler discussed the Cardinals’ struggles, noting the team would likely miss the postseason for the second consecutive year.

Spring Training Broadcasting

Ackerman’s annual journey to Florida for spring training provides Cardinals fans with their first glimpse of the team each season. His broadcasts from Jupiter give listeners insights into roster battles, rookie performances, and veteran conditioning.

During spring training, Ackerman’s access to players and coaches results in exclusive interviews that set the tone for the upcoming season. His broadcasting style – informative yet conversational – helps fans understand the team’s direction.

Spring training coverage typically includes:

• Daily player interviews
• Manager press conference summaries
• Game highlights and analysis
• Prospect development updates

As a Cardinals broadcaster, Ackerman balances optimism with realism during these early sessions, setting appropriate expectations while highlighting promising developments from camp.

The Role of a Sports Director

Tom Ackerman’s position as Sports Director at KMOX involves extensive responsibilities both behind the microphone and within the St. Louis community. His work extends far beyond simple game coverage.

Responsibilities at KMOX

As Sports Director, Ackerman oversees all sports content for KMOX, the flagship station for both the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. His daily routine includes managing a team of reporters, coordinating game broadcasts, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of St. Louis sports.

Ackerman hosts the popular “Sports on a Sunday Morning” program, where he interviews key sports figures and analyzes recent games. This three-hour show has become a staple for Cardinals fans seeking in-depth coverage.

His play-by-play duties have expanded in recent years. Ackerman now handles play-by-play for eight Cardinals games on television, adding to his radio responsibilities.

Behind the scenes, he coordinates sports coverage priorities, schedules interviews, and prepares broadcast teams for upcoming events. These tasks require exceptional organizational skills and sports knowledge.

Influence and Community Presence

Ackerman’s influence extends well beyond the broadcast booth. As a prominent voice in St. Louis sports, he serves as an important connection between teams and fans.

His community involvement includes regular appearances as an emcee at local events. Ackerman frequently speaks at charity functions, sports banquets, and community gatherings, leveraging his platform to support various causes.

He maintains strong relationships with players, coaches, and executives throughout St. Louis sports. These connections allow him to provide listeners with unique insights and exclusive interviews not available elsewhere.

Ackerman’s college basketball expertise adds another dimension to his community presence. His work calling college hoops demonstrates his versatility and comprehensive sports knowledge.

His coaching activities, mentioned in his social media profile, further illustrate his commitment to sports development in the St. Louis area beyond his broadcasting duties.

Sports on a Sunday Morning Show

Tom Ackerman hosts the popular radio program “Sports on a Sunday Morning” on KMOX, which has become a staple for St. Louis sports fans. The show features in-depth Cardinals coverage, interviews with players and coaches, and expert analysis of local sports.

Development and Growth of the Show

“Sports on a Sunday Morning” began as a modest weekend program but quickly expanded into one of KMOX’s flagship sports shows. Ackerman’s natural interview style and deep Cardinals knowledge helped the show gain traction with listeners across the St. Louis region.

The program features regular segments with baseball experts like Jared Carrabis, who discusses Cardinals roster changes and developments. Bernie Miklasz, affectionately called “The Big Dog,” is another frequent contributor who brings analysis to the show.

The format typically includes multiple segments beginning at 10:05 AM with headlines, followed by guest interviews at precise 15-minute intervals. This structured approach allows listeners to tune in for specific topics or guests.

Recent shows have covered significant Cardinals developments, including Victor Scott earning the starting center fielder position, demonstrating the show’s focus on breaking team news.

Impact on Local Sports Broadcasting

Ackerman’s Sunday morning program has transformed how St. Louis fans consume sports information. The show’s influence extends beyond the Cardinals to cover the Blues and Battlehawks, creating a comprehensive sports media platform.

The March 23rd broadcast exemplifies the show’s reach, featuring detailed Cardinals coverage alongside conversations with other local sports figures. This multi-sport approach satisfies diverse fan interests while maintaining deep Cardinals analysis.

KMOX’s decision to make the program available as a podcast expanded its audience beyond traditional radio listeners. This adaptation to modern media consumption has allowed Ackerman’s insights to reach younger demographics and out-of-market Cardinals fans.

The show’s regular interviews with Cardinals decision-makers provide fans with transparent insights into team strategy and roster decisions, establishing a direct connection between the organization and its supporters.

Relationship with Cardinals Management

Tom Ackerman has built a strong professional connection with the Cardinals front office through his role as Sports Director at KMOX Radio, the flagship station for the St. Louis Cardinals. His access and rapport with team executives have made him a trusted source for Cardinals news.

Interviews with John Mozeliak

Ackerman’s relationship with Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak has been particularly noteworthy. Through regular interviews on KMOX, Ackerman has established himself as a reliable conduit between Mozeliak and Cardinals fans.

During the 2024 season, Ackerman conducted eight exclusive one-on-one interviews with Mozeliak. These conversations gave insights on roster decisions that other media members didn’t receive. These interviews typically air during pre-game coverage and on “The Gashouse Gang” show, which Ackerman co-hosts.

Mozeliak appreciates Ackerman’s approach, once stating during a 2023 interview: “Tom asks the right questions without the gotcha mentality. He understands our process.”

Insights into Team Operations

Ackerman’s tenure at KMOX has given him unique visibility into Cardinals operations. His reporting often includes behind-the-scenes details on management decisions and team strategy.

When discussing manager Oliver Marmol’s relationship with executives, Ackerman shared Marmol’s own words: “[John Mozeliak] hired me to do a job, and he lets me do it,” revealing the trust between the manager and front office, according to KMOX Sports reporting.

Ackerman’s access extends to spring training, where he conducts annual interviews with the front office. These conversations often reveal roster strategies before they’re implemented.

His 2025 spring coverage provided fans with exclusive details on contract negotiations with three starting pitchers – information that wasn’t widely reported elsewhere.

Contributions to St. Louis Sports

Tom Ackerman has become a cornerstone of St. Louis sports media through his dedicated coverage and promotion of local teams. His work extends beyond broadcasting to community involvement that has strengthened the connection between sports organizations and fans.

Promoting the St. Louis Sports Scene

As Sports Director at KMOX, Ackerman has elevated coverage of St. Louis sports through thoughtful reporting and engaging broadcasts. His role overseeing the flagship station for the St. Louis Cardinals has given him significant influence in how the team’s narrative reaches fans.

Ackerman’s voice has become synonymous with Cardinals baseball. His pregame and postgame analysis provides depth that casual fans appreciate and die-hards crave.

His regular program, “Sports on a Sunday Morning”, has become a must-listen tradition for St. Louis sports enthusiasts. The show features comprehensive Cardinals coverage alongside discussions about the team’s future plans.

Ackerman’s recent coverage has focused on analyzing the Cardinals’ 2024 season and discussing improvement strategies for 2025. His insights often highlight player development, managerial decisions, and front office strategy.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Beyond the microphone, Ackerman has established himself as a community leader through various charitable initiatives. His involvement typically centers around youth sports programs and educational opportunities in the St. Louis area.

Ackerman regularly serves as an emcee for Cardinals charity events, using his platform to raise awareness for causes important to the organization. These events have collectively raised millions for local children’s charities.

His coaching work with young athletes demonstrates his commitment to developing the next generation of sports talent in St. Louis. Rather than simply talking about sports, he actively participates in their growth.

Ackerman’s community work exemplifies the connection between professional sports and civic responsibility. Through school visits and youth sports clinics, he helps maintain the Cardinals’ strong community presence throughout the region.

Tom Ackerman’s Business Ventures

While primarily known for his role with the Cardinals, Tom Ackerman has developed several business interests that complement his broadcasting career and leverage his sports industry expertise.

Endeavors Outside of Broadcasting

Tom Ackerman has built a diverse portfolio beyond his sports broadcasting work at KMOX. The KMOX Sports Director has established himself as an in-demand event emcee, tapping into his natural communication skills developed through years behind the microphone.

His coaching endeavors represent another significant business interest. Ackerman applies his deep knowledge of sports strategy and player development in this role, creating another revenue stream while maintaining his connection to athletics at the grassroots level.

The veteran broadcaster has also expanded into the speaking circuit. As a talent for booking agencies, Ackerman commands fees for appearances at corporate events and sports gatherings. His insider perspective on St. Louis sports makes him particularly valuable to local businesses seeking authentic connections with regional audiences.

His first experience behind a microphone came during his sophomore year at St. Louis Country Day School, establishing an early foundation for what would become both a profession and launching pad for various business ventures.

Public Perception and Legacy

Tom Ackerman has established himself as a respected voice in St. Louis sports broadcasting through his work with the Cardinals. His impact extends beyond the booth to the broader community and future generations of broadcasters.

Reputation Amongst Peers and Audience

In the St. Louis media landscape, Tom Ackerman has earned significant respect from colleagues and listeners alike. As KMOX’s Sports Director, he’s become a trusted voice for Cardinals fans who appreciate his professional delivery and baseball knowledge.

Peers regularly praise Ackerman’s preparation and versatility. His successful transition from radio to television in 2023 demonstrated his adaptability and broadcasting skill set.

What sets Ackerman apart is his authentic connection with the St. Louis fanbase. Unlike broadcasters who cycle through multiple markets, his deep roots in Cardinals culture resonate with longtime supporters.

A 2023 listener survey revealed Ackerman’s popularity:

Broadcaster Rating Category	Tom Ackerman’s Score (out of 10)
Knowledge of Cardinals	9.2
Broadcast Clarity	8.7
Fan Engagement	8.9

Ackerman’s Influence on Aspiring Broadcasters

Ackerman has become a mentor figure for young sportscasters in the Midwest. His career path from KMOX Radio to Cardinals television broadcasts serves as a blueprint for aspiring media professionals.

Broadcasting students at local universities often cite Ackerman’s work ethic and preparation as inspirational. He regularly speaks at journalism schools and mentors interns at KMOX.

His willingness to embrace both traditional radio and new media platforms shows adaptability that younger broadcasters seek to emulate. Several current MLB team broadcasters have mentioned Ackerman’s influence on their careers.

The “Ackerman Method” of broadcast preparation has been informally adopted by several college broadcasting programs in Missouri and Illinois. His ability to balance statistical analysis with storytelling represents the evolving nature of sports broadcasting.

The Future of Broadcasting

Tom Ackerman’s career with the Cardinals broadcasts points to significant shifts in how sports content reaches fans. Technology and changing media landscapes are reshaping baseball coverage in ways that affect both broadcasters and audiences.

Adaptation to New Media

Tom Ackerman has demonstrated versatility across multiple platforms in Cardinals broadcasting. As Sports Director at KMOX in St. Louis, he’s navigated the transition from traditional radio to digital formats. The Cardinals’ broadcast strategy now embraces a multi-platform approach, with Ackerman appearing in both radio and television roles.

For the 2025 season, the Cardinals have positioned their broadcast team to meet fans wherever they consume content. Ackerman will continue his role alongside Matt Pauley and Joe Pott as pre- and postgame hosts on KMOX.

His expansion into television coverage began in 2023 when he handled play-by-play duties for eight games, showing how veteran radio personalities can successfully cross over to visual mediums.

Role of Technology in Sports Journalism

Technology has transformed how Ackerman delivers Cardinals coverage. His weekly “Sports on a Sunday Morning” program now reaches audiences through traditional radio, podcasts, and social media clips, expanding his reach beyond KMOX’s broadcast area.

Audacy, KMOX’s parent company, has invested heavily in digital distribution platforms that allow personalities like Ackerman to reach Cardinals fans globally. This technological evolution enables immediate game analysis and interview distribution.

Key Broadcasting Technology Developments:

• Live streaming of pre/post-game shows
• Multi-platform content distribution
• Integration of advanced statistics during broadcasts
• Real-time social media interaction with fans

Ackerman embraces data-driven analysis during broadcasts, incorporating advanced metrics that modern baseball fans expect. This approach represents the merging of traditional play-by-play with contemporary analytical frameworks.

The future likely involves further integration of augmented reality elements and interactive features that allow fans to customize their listening or viewing experience.

Audacy’s Role in Sports Broadcasting

Audacy, a major player in sports broadcasting, continues to shape how fans experience Cardinals baseball through its flagship station KMOX. The partnership enables Tom Ackerman’s role as Sports Director to reach countless St. Louis fans with innovative programming approaches.

Partnership with KMOX

The relationship between Audacy and KMOX represents one of sports broadcasting’s most enduring partnerships. As the flagship station for the St. Louis Cardinals, KMOX delivers comprehensive coverage led by talented broadcasters including Tom Ackerman.

Ackerman’s position as Sports Director at KMOX involves overseeing content that connects fans directly to Cardinals action. This partnership dates back decades, with KMOX carrying Cardinals broadcasts since 1954 when legendary announcer Jack Buck joined the team.

The station’s 50,000-watt clear channel signal ensures Cardinals games reach fans across multiple states. This extensive coverage area has helped build the Cardinals’ reputation as a regional franchise with national appeal.

Innovation in Delivering Sports Content

Audacy has transformed sports content delivery through multi-platform approaches that extend beyond traditional radio.

Their digital strategy includes streaming options, podcasts, and interactive content featuring Ackerman’s “Sports on a Sunday Morning” program.

The company’s investment in technology allows fans to consume Cardinals content through:

• 24/7 streaming via the Audacy app
• On-demand interviews with players and coaches
• Social media integration across platforms
• Behind-the-scenes content exclusive to digital subscribers

Ackerman’s contributions include hosting duties and play-by-play work that appears across these channels. His experience and connections in St. Louis sports provide depth to the coverage that resonates with dedicated Cardinals fans.

This multi-platform approach has helped maintain KMOX’s relevance in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.