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07/29/2005 5:52 PM ET
Hamilton to broadcast home games only in 2006
Hall of Fame broadcaster has been the "Voice of the Astros" since 1985
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HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros announced today that Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton, who has been the play-by-play voice of the club since 1985, has elected to work only home games beginning with the 2006 season.
"This was a very difficult decision for me, and one that I did not reach overnight," said Hamilton. "I have had 21 great years with the Houston Astros, and being a part of this organization and so many wonderful people here has been very special to me. I am very thankful that Pam Gardner and Drayton McLane support my decision. This will allow me to spend more time with my family while at the same time staying involved with the ballclub and being part of the transition."
The club and Hamilton will review his broadcast schedule at the end of the each season, beginning in 2006. The Astros will begin a nationwide search immediately for Hamilton's replacement for road games. The individual hired for play-by-play on road games will also have a role in home broadcasts that is to be determined.
"Milo Hamilton is a legend in both the world of broadcasting and the game of baseball," said Astros Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Drayton McLane. "Astros fans have enjoyed listening to Milo's broadcasts for 21 seasons, and we are glad that he will continue to be our voice on the radio for home games. We feel fortunate to have had a Hall of Famer like Milo as a part of the Astros family for such a long time, and we hope to have him on our airwaves for many seasons in the future."
Hamilton joined the Astros in 1985 after previously broadcasting games for St. Louis, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh. He received the Ford C. Frick Award in 1992 from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, an honor presented annually to a member of the baseball broadcasting fraternity for major contributions to the game of baseball. Hamilton, who called Henry Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run in 1974 at Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium, was also elected to the Radio Hall of Fame in 2000, becoming only the 10th sportscaster to receive that honor.
Hamilton first began broadcasting baseball in 1950 with the Three I League in Davenport, Iowa. During his career, he has broadcast Major League games in 51 different ballparks and also called 11 no-hitters, Ernie Banks' five grand slams, along with Barry Bonds' record-tying 70th home run in 2001, and the Astros' six-pitcher, no-hitter in 2003 at Yankee Stadium.
Through his work with various charities, Hamilton has helped raise more than $20 million while serving as master of ceremonies at auctions, March of Dimes, Epilepsy Association, City of Hope, American Cancer Society, and Leukemia Society of America.
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