You're driving down I-71, the sun is dipping low, and you just want to hear the crack of the bat. There is something visceral about baseball on the radio. It isn't just about the score; it’s about that specific, gravelly excitement in Tom Hamilton’s voice when a ball heads toward the gap. But first, you have to actually find the broadcast. If you’re frantically scanning the dial wondering what radio station is the guardians game on today, the answer is almost always going to be WTAM 1100 AM or 100.7 WMMS in the Cleveland area.
These two are the heavy hitters. WTAM is the "Big One," the flagship that carries the signal across state lines at night. WMMS brings that FM clarity if you’re closer to the city. But if you're out in the cornfields or cruising near the lake, you might need one of the other 25+ affiliates scattered across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The Guardians Radio Network: Finding Your Frequency
Honestly, the radio network is a bit of a patchwork quilt. Depending on where you’re standing (or driving), the station changes. While WTAM is the soul of the operation, the Cleveland Guardians Radio Network (technically the Cleveland Clinic Guardians Radio Network for the sponsors) stretches far.
If you’re in Akron, you’re looking for WAKR 1590 AM. In Toledo, it’s WSPD 1370 AM. Up in Erie, Pennsylvania? Flip it over to WXKC 104.3 FM.
💡 You might also like: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
The cool thing about WTAM 1100 is its "clear channel" status. Because of how radio waves work, once the sun goes down, that 50,000-watt signal bounces off the ionosphere. You can sometimes hear Hammy calling a walk-off win while you’re driving through the mountains of North Carolina or the flats of Ontario. It's kinda magical.
Quick Guide to Major Ohio Affiliates
- Cleveland: WTAM 1100 AM / 106.9 FM & WMMS 100.7 FM
- Akron: WAKR 1590 AM / 93.5 FM
- Canton: WHBC 1480 AM
- Youngstown: WKBN 570 AM
- Columbus: iHeartRadio App (Search WTAM)
- Mansfield: WMAN 1400 AM / 98.3 FM
- Sandusky: WLEC 1450 AM / 93.5 FM
Why the Radio Broadcast Hits Different
We have to talk about Tom Hamilton. If you know, you know. "A way back! Gone!" is basically the unofficial anthem of Northeast Ohio. Hamilton has been at this since 1990, and his partnership with Jim Rosenhaus is one of the most stable things in Cleveland sports.
While the TV rights have been a total mess lately—switching over to ESPN for in-market streaming and local broadcasts in 2026—the radio side is like a rock. It stays put. Rosenhaus handles the pre-game, the "Guardians Update," and usually the middle innings. But when the tension
starts to ramp up in the 8th and 9th, Hamilton takes the wheel.
📖 Related: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
Digital Workarounds and App Streaming
Maybe your car doesn't even have an AM/FM tuner. It happens. Or maybe you're stuck in an office building that blocks radio waves like a lead bunker.
You've got options, but they come with a few "gotchas."
- MLB App: This is the gold standard. For a small seasonal fee (usually around $30 for just audio), you get every single game with no blackouts. You can choose the home or away feed.
- iHeartRadio: Since WTAM is an iHeart station, you can often find the stream there. However, MLB is very strict about territorial rights. If the app detects you’re outside the "home" territory, the game might get blacked out and replaced with generic talk radio.
- SiriusXM: If you have a satellite subscription, the Guardians have a dedicated channel (usually in the 800s on the app, or varying on the dial).
Catching Spring Training 2026
It’s January 2026 as I write this. We’re right on the cusp of the new season. The Guardians are coming off that wild 2025 where they stormed back to take the Central.
👉 See also: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
If you’re looking to hear the first sounds of the season, circle February 21, 2026 on your calendar. That’s the spring training opener against the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear. The Radio Network usually carries a heavy schedule of these Cactus League games, so you don't have to wait until April to hear Hammy's voice again.
Pro Tips for the Best Signal
If you’re listening on AM 1100 and it’s sounding static-y, check if you’re near power lines or under a bridge. AM is sensitive to electrical interference. If you're in the city, the FM translator at 106.9 FM is a lifesaver. It’s basically the WTAM feed but without the "buzz."
Also, don't sleep on the "Guardians Weekly" show. Jim Rosenhaus hosts it year-round on Saturday evenings. Even in the dead of winter, it’s the best way to keep tabs on the farm system and guys like Travis Bazzana, who everyone expects to be a monster this year.
Actionable Steps for Today's Game:
- Check the Time: Night games usually start at 7:10 PM ET, but getaway days (Wednesdays/Thursdays) are often 1:10 PM matinees.
- Dial In Early: Pre-game starts 30 minutes before first pitch. It’s the best way to hear the lineups and the "Keys to the Game."
- Sync the Audio: If you’re watching on TV but want to hear Hamilton, use the MLB app's "Sync" feature to align the radio audio with the video. It’s a game-changer.
- Download the Map: If you're planning a road trip across Ohio, save a screenshot of the affiliate list so you can jump from 1100 AM to 1480 AM to 1370 AM without missing an inning.
The voice of the Guardians is a rite of passage in Cleveland. Whether you're listening on a beat-up transistor radio in the garage or streaming through high-end earbuds, the connection is the same. Just find that signal, wait for the first "Hello everyone," and settle in.