XM MLB Chat: 3 radio voices sign for St. Louis Cardinals first year back on KMOX

2/5/11, "The St. Louis Cardinals announced Friday that they have agreed to contracts for radio broadcasters Mike Shannon, John Rooney and Mike Claiborne.

"We are fortunate to have one the best broadcast teams in baseball" Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III said in a statement released by the team. "As we return to KMOX, we are particularly excited to have Mike and John behind the microphone for all the exciting Cardinals action for years to come."

Shannon, who signed a three-year extension, is entering his 40th season as a member of the Cardinals radio network and 54th season as a member of the Cardinals organization.

Shannon played for the Cardinals from 1962 to 1970 before becoming a member of the Cardinals front office staff in 1971. In 1972, he entered the broadcast booth and has continued to offer his unique commentary and insight ever since.

Rooney, who signed a five-year extension is entering his sixth season with the Cardinals. Rooney joined the team in 2006, when he signed a five-year deal with the team after spending the previous 18 years in broadcasting with the Chicago White Sox.

The Richmond, Mo., native called his first major-league game in 1983 with Shannon and Hall of Famer Jack Buck during a Cardinals' three-game set at Cincinnati.

Rooney began his baseball broadcasting career with the Triple-A Oklahoma 89ers from 1981 to 1982 and from 1983 to 1984 he called the games for the Louisville Redbirds.

Claiborne, who has signed a contract for the 2011 season, is entering his fourth season with the Cardinals. Claiborne will continue to handle duties during the Cardinals pregame and postgame shows....

In addition to their game duties, Shannon and Rooney also will be involved the pregame and postgame shows along with Claiborne and do daily call-ins segments for KMOX during the morning and afternoon drive-time shows during the baseball season.

Shannon, Rooney and Claiborne will all be part of the expanded "Live at Shannon's" show after every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday home games."