Legendary Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton passes away at 88

Astros Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton passed away this morning in Houston.

Fans might recall some of Hamilton’s signature phrases, including “Holy Toledo!” and “hotter than a depot stove”. He spent nearly three decades behind the microphone here describing some of the team’s biggest moments.

Hamilton was born in Fairfield, Iowa in 1927.

Outside the broadcast booth, Hamilton became known for his fine work as a master of ceremonies at Astros-related events and celebrations, including several pregame, player retirement ceremonies.

In 1992, he was awarded the Ford Frick Award by the Baseball Hall of Fame, tantamount to induction into the “broadcasters’ wing”.

As the voice of the Houston Astros since 1984, and a broadcaster for Major League Baseball for 60 years, Milo was beloved by generations of Astros fans and respected by all in the sports media industry. It’s 715! There’s a new home run champion of all time!

The passing of Hamilton comes during Houston’s pursuit of their first playoff berth since their run to the World Series in 2005, and the Astros made it clear that plans to honor the Hall of Famer will be announced sometime soon.

Milo Hamilton, the Braves’ first radio play-by-play voice when they moved to Atlanta in 1966, was behind the mic for Hank Aaron’s record-setting 715th home run eight years later. The call is etched into Major League Baseball history and will never be forgotten. Fans in Braves country and throughout the nation fondly remember his iconic call of our own Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974. Hamilton later said he didn’t rehearse the call, but it went off without a hitch.

“We spoke on the phone a lot”.

“I wish I could have had a better working relationship with him over the years….”

“It’s been a great game for me”.

Hamilton’s legacy will live on through some of the most memorable plays in baseball history.

“This is a huge loss for the Astros and for the baseball world”.

He was predeceased by his wife Arlene and their daughter Patricia. He’s survived by his son Mark. “I felt it was something I had to say, but I haven’t said anything about it since”, Hamilton told the Tribune eight years ago.