2006Ā –Ā Gene ElstonĀ is selected by theĀ Hall of FameĀ to receive theĀ Ford C. Frick Award. During his 47 years in the broadcast booth, the formerĀ Houston AstrosĀ announcer brought a no-nonsense approach to reporting the happenings on the diamond.
2002Ā – Despite a petition drive seeking to honor longtime Astro broadcaster Gene Elston with the Ford C. Frick Award at the Baseball Hall of Fame, the winner is his former broadcast partner Harry Kalas. Kalas worked six seasons (1965-1970) with Elston before becoming the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and NFL Films. Kalas’ signature call while with Houston was to describe their home runs as “Astro orbits”.Ā
1962Ā – KPRC-AM introduces Gene Elston and Al Helfer as the Colts’ first radio play-by-play team. Loel Passe, a local favorite after his years with the Houston Buffs, is later added to the crew. Although Helfer leaves after the first year, Elston and Passe would be together for the next fourteen seasons. Elston would remain with the club through 1986.Ā