"Tom Hamilton - The Voice of Cleveland Baseball's Glory"
Tom Hamilton's Journey to Cleveland Broadcasting
Tom Hamilton's career in broadcasting began in a rather unexpected way. He started as a DJ for a country music station in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. This humble beginning laid the foundation for his future in the world of radio. After working at WBNS in Columbus, Ohio, he was offered the opportunity to call Columbus Clippers games as a volunteer. It was this chance that led him to Cleveland. When the team was searching for a new broadcast partner for Herb Score ahead of the 1990 season, Hamilton reluctantly submitted an audition tape. Little did he know that this would change his life forever. The team saw something special in him and offered him the job, and he moved to Cleveland to begin his long tenure with the Guardians.His time in Cleveland has been nothing short of remarkable. He has become an integral part of the city's baseball culture and has been adopted by Guardians fans as one of their own. His knowledge of the game and his passionate calls have made him a beloved figure in Cleveland.
Hamilton's Partnerships and Longevity in the Booth
Hamilton has spent an astonishing 35 years in Cleveland's radio booth. He joined TV analyst Rick Manning as the longest-tenured broadcaster in team history. Over the years, he has partnered with various announcers, including Mike Hegan, Dave Nelson, Jim Rosenhaus, and Matt Underwood. Each partnership has added a unique flavor to his broadcasts and has contributed to his success.His partnership with Herb Score for seven seasons was particularly memorable. Score's legendary status as a pitcher-turned-broadcaster added a certain gravitas to their broadcasts. Together, they brought the excitement of the game to Cleveland fans.
Hamilton's Iconic Calls and Classic Moments
Hamilton is known in Cleveland for his iconic calls that have become part of the city's baseball lore. His "Swing and a drive!" call when a Guardian hits a home run is instantly recognizable and brings excitement to every game. He also stresses each syllable in "Strike. Three. Called," when a pitcher stumps a hitter, adding to the drama of the moment. And when the Guardians win, he simply shouts "Ballgame!" with such enthusiasm that it echoes through the stadium.Throughout his career, Hamilton has called countless classic moments in club history. One of the most memorable was Jim Thome squeezing the final out of the victory that vaulted Cleveland into the postseason in September 1995. This moment was a turning point for the team and Hamilton's call captured the essence of the occasion. Another classic moment was the team erasing a 12-run deficit in a record-setting comeback against the 116-win Seattle Mariners in 2001. Hamilton's play-by-play during this game was masterful and added to the excitement of the comeback.
Hamilton's Impact on the 2016 World Series and Beyond
Hamilton voiced the team's march to Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, which was a highlight of his career. His calls during this series, especially Rajai Davis' game-tying home run in the decisive tilt, were electric and brought the city to its feet. In 2023, he went viral for his "Down Goes Anderson!" call when José Ramírez punched the Chicago White Sox's Tim Anderson in an August game at Progressive Field. This call showcased Hamilton's ability to capture the emotions of the moment and make it a part of baseball history.Hamilton's impact on the Guardians and Cleveland baseball extends far beyond his calls. He has been a constant presence in the lives of fans and has helped to create memories that will last a lifetime. His dedication to the game and his love for Cleveland have made him a true icon.