Gene Elston was a true professional as a broadcaster. I enjoyed listening to his broadcasts of Astro games for over 20 years. I especially remember Mike Scott's no-hitter, clinching the Division Championship in 1986. Gene was the play by play man on TV. When Will Clark grounded out to end the game, Gene said "there it is!" and then he said nothing more for several minutes as the camera showed the wild celebration on the field. It was the perfect way to play it, and it was typical of Gene's style. His focus was always on the game and he did not draw attention to himself. Perhaps that is the reason he has been overlooked as a recipient of the Ford Frick Award for broadcasters in the Hall of Fame.
After listening to Gene for so many years and having so much respect for his work, it was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to get to know him and work with him on baseball-related business for several years after he retired as a broadcaster.
» Bill Gilbert has written for several baseball publications and web sites. He has been a SABR member since 1984 and has made presentations at the last 8 SABR Conventions.
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Copyright © 2001 by Bill Gilbert. Posted August 22, 2001.
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