Gene Elston
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Gene Elston (born 1922) is a former long-time Major League Baseball broadcaster, primarily with the Houston Astros.
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[edit] Early life and career
A native of Iowa, Elston's first job in announcing was high school basketball in 1941. From there he progressed to minor league baseball starting in 1946. His first job in the major leagues was 8 years later in 1954, when he became the number two radio announcer for the Chicago Cubs, alongside Vince Lloyd. In 1958, he moved to a national radio audience by announcing the Game of the Day on the Mutual Broadcasting System, with Bob Feller.
[edit] Houston Astros
In 1962, the expansion Houston Colt .45's chose Elston to be the lead radio announcer in their inaugural season. The team changed its name to the Astros three years later, and Elston continued as their main announcer through 1986, when he was fired in favor of another Iowan, Milo Hamilton (who had been the team's number-two announcer in 1985).
[edit] CBS Radio
Starting in 1987, Elston went back to calling national radio broadcasts instead of games for a specific team. He called the CBS Radio Game of the Week until 1995, and also called postseason games on CBS Radio in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He then retired from broadcasing.
[edit] Ford C. Frick Award
In 2006, Elston was awarded the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame. The award is given annually to a baseball announcer who has given major contributions to the game. Elston was healthy enough, at the age of 84, to accept the award in person at Cooperstown.
[edit] Broadcasting style
Elston's broadcasting style was somewhat restrained. He left just enough room to get excited during historic moments, such as Nolan Ryan's fifth career no-hitter:
| “ | Two balls and no strikes to Baker. And a ground ball to third. He's got it! Art Howe...he got it! Nolan Ryan, no-hitter number five! | ” |
| Preceded by Jerry Coleman |
Ford C. Frick Award 2006 |
Succeeded by Denny Matthews |
[edit] External links
- Hall of Fame press release announcing Elston as the winner of the Ford Frick award
- Hall of Fame press release describing Elston's acceptance speech
- Fan Website that promoted Elston for the Ford Frick award
- Audio clips of Gene Elston announcing
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