Inductees

The start of John Rooney’s storied broadcasting career dates back to 1971, when he launched his career as a play-by-play sports announcer in Lexington, MO. With some experience under his belt, he later secured a position with KFRU in Columbia. He then headed to Okmulgee, OK to do play-by-play for local high schools, while also covering Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa University football. In 1977, Rooney returned to Missouri and became the first sports director of the Missourinet, the state wide news broadcast network.

John joined the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 1983 as the play-by-play voice of the AAA Louisville Redbirds. Respected nationally as a play-by-play announcer, he was signed by CBS/Host Communications in 1984 to broadcast the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He held that position for nineteen years. He joined the Chicago White Sox as their play-by-play voice in 1988 and continues to serve in this capacity.