News
Milo Hamilton Way unveiled in Houston
City honors Astros broadcaster on anniversary of Aaron call
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com
04/08/09 8:04 PM ET
HOUSTON -- Thirty-five years ago, Milo Hamilton and Henry Aaron became linked for life. Aaron hit his historic, record-breaking 715th home run to pass Babe Ruth, and Hamilton, 46 years old and the radio voice of the Atlanta Braves, was behind the mike to call the shot.On the anniversary of that home run, the city of Houston unveiled its own slice of history, renaming Hamilton Ave., outside of Minute Maid Park, Milo Hamilton Way. The street sign was unveiled on Wednesday, in front of dozens of fans, city dignitaries and front-office staffers, as well as Astros manager Cecil Cooper and several players, including Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Doug Brocail and Hunter Pence.
Mayor Bill White was on hand to help unveil the new street sign, which hangs on the corner of Texas Ave., near the diamond club lot.
"Baseball is a sport, yes," Mayor White said. "It's entertainment, you bet. But it's more than that -- it's part of American culture. It keeps us in touch of where we've come from, where we're going.
"[The Astros] bring us together as a community, and also tie us to part of that great experience. We're proud of the team, the players and their achievements. But for many of us, the way we know about those plays and achievements, particularly those of us who spend time in our cars a lot, and when we're working and can't watch television, is through the voice of the Astros, and for so many of us, that voice is Milo Hamilton."
Standing next to his son, Mark, Hamilton also took in the words of Astros owner Drayton McLane, who commended Hamilton for his long and prosperous career, one that has spanned 64 years, 55 of which he spent in Major League Baseball.
"In every person's career, you want to have a long career and a meaningful career," McLane said. "I don't think anyone can match Milo."
As he always does when he receives an award or honor, Hamilton thanked his son, Mark, who traveled to Houston from Atlanta to attend the event. Hamilton also became emotional when talking about how he wished his late wife and daughter were there to share in the celebration.
Hamilton beamed as the cover fell, revealing the brand-new Milo Hamilton Way sign. It also includes the words "Hall of Fame District."
"I started in 1945, and here I am, 64 years later, still doing what I love," he said. "I think that says a lot about a person's life. They say, 'How do you keep on doing it?' Because I absolutely love it.
"I've known other people in my business, in other cities, that have had streets named after them. But they did it in the city, or by City Hall, or some other part of town. I think it's special to me, to have it here, right by the ballpark."
Alyson Footer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
