RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Milo Hamilton was an American sportscaster, best known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball games. Over the course of his six-decade-long career, Hamilton called games for several teams, including the St. Louis Browns, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Houston Astros.
Born in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1927, Hamilton began his broadcasting career in 1945, serving in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Iowa, where he studied radio broadcasting. He began his professional career in 1950, calling games for the St. Louis Browns. He moved to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954, then to the Chicago Cubs in 1956, where he stayed for a decade.
In 1966, Hamilton joined the Atlanta Braves, where he called Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run in 1974. This call is considered one of the most iconic in baseball history. After a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hamilton joined the Houston Astros in 1985, where he would remain until his retirement in 2012.
Hamilton was known for his distinctive, enthusiastic style of play-by-play announcing. His catchphrase, "Holy Toledo!", became a signature part of his broadcasts. He was also known for his meticulous preparation for each game, often arriving at the ballpark hours before the first pitch to study player statistics and game strategies.
Over the course of his career, Hamilton called over 7,000 games, including 11 no-hitters and numerous playoff and World Series games. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992, receiving the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting. He was also inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2007.
Hamilton passed away in 2015 at the age of 88. His legacy continues to be celebrated in the world of sports broadcasting, with many current announcers citing him as a major influence on their careers.
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On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium...
1979-Sep-30 • CHC/PIT • Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in a game that would determine the fate of the Pirates' season. Coming into the game, the Pirates had a magic number of one to clinify the National League East title, meaning a win against the Cubs would secure their place in the postseason. The Pirates were having a stellar season, with players like Willie Stargell and Dave Parker leading the charge. The Cubs, on the other hand, were struggling to find their footing, but still posed a significant threat with their roster that included the likes of Bruce Sutter and Bill Buckner. This game wasn't just about securing a playoff spot, but also about the Pirates proving their dominance in the league.
The 1979 season was historic for the Pirates as they would go on to win the World Series, with Stargell picking up the NL MVP and World Series MVP awards. This game, therefore, holds a pivotal place in that narrative. The Cubs, despite their struggles, were no easy opponent, and the tension of the game was palpable on the radio broadcast. The stakes were high, the air was thick with anticipation, and the game was set to be a memorable one.
Throughout the 1965 regular season, the White Sox and Tigers battled it out for the...
Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers - Game 2 - Radio Broadcast / Throughout the 1965 regular season, the White Sox and Tigers battled it out for the top spot in the league. In August 1965, the competition intensified as both teams sought to gain an advantage heading into the final stretch of the season. Key players from both sides were instrumental in driving their respective teams' success.
The Chicago White Sox had a strong lineup led by star players like Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio, and Eddie Fisher. They showcased a well-balanced offense and solid defense that kept them in contention throughout the season. In August, their pitching staff, including Eddie Fisher, who excelled as a closer, played a crucial role in securing important victories.
On the other hand, the Detroit Tigers, with their talented roster featuring players like Al Kaline, Willie Horton, and Mickey Lolich, were fierce competitors. Their offensive firepower and reliable pitching made them a formidable opponent. In August, the Tigers' pitching rotation, led by the impressive performances of Mickey Lolich, delivered several crucial wins that kept them in the race for the pennant.
As the season approached its final weeks, the White Sox and Tigers were neck-and-neck in the standings, making every game in August essential for their playoff aspirations. The race for the American League pennant continued to be tightly contested and captivating, with fans eagerly following every matchup between these two competitive teams.
Ultimately, the 1965 season came down to the wire, and the performances in August played a significant role in shaping the outcome. Both the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers displayed exceptional talent and determination, but only one team could claim the top spot in the American League. Fans of both teams witnessed an exciting and memorable season that would be remembered for years to come.