.jpg)
Astros manager Brad Mills joined legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton as the first guest on Astroline, a live call-in show each Wednesday night this offseason at Sherlock's Baker Street Pub, located at 1952 West Gray, which airs on KTRH 740 AM. (AP Photo)
Legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton kicked off Astroline Wednesday night with a live broadcast from Sherlock's Baker Street Pub, located at 1952 West Gray, which aired on the Houston Astros' flagship station, KTRH 740 AM.
Astroline features a total of 17 shows to be broadcasted each Wednesday over a five-month period leading into the 2010 season, with the show moving to Kissimmee, Fla., in February for the start of Spring Training.
As the show's host, Hamilton will keep listeners updated with news related to the team during the offseason, and welcome a different guest each week.
Owner Drayton McLane Jr., general manager Ed Wade and an assortment of current Astros players and front-office personnel represent the upcoming guest list scheduled to appear on the live show over the next few weeks.
For the first show this offseason, Hamilton welcomed Astros manager Brad Mills, who discussed his overall coaching experience in Boston, as well as the team's new coaching staff, prior to taking phone calls from listeners.
"It's fun to be part of the first Astroline show this offseason," Mills said, "I first met Milo (Hamilton) while coaching in Philadelphia. About two years ago when Boston played the Astros in interleague play, I got to spend time with him again."
During commercial breaks, Mills and Hamilton graciously signed autographs for spectators in attendance.
After 58 years of broadcasting Major League Baseball games, Hamilton still demonstrates a tremendous passion and love for his job. His special mannerism lit up the room and captured the overall attention of the audience and listeners as he interviewed Mills.
"I'm thrilled to death to be here in the city of Houston," Mills said. "It's a good baseball city with great fans and a beautiful ballpark. It's been an adjustment coming to Houston from Boston, but I'm learning more and more everyday about the organization and players."
When listeners began to call in, Mills was put on the spot about the Astros' young players, potential free-agent signings, the starting pitching and closer Jose Valverde's current free-agent status.
Mills proclaimed his overall contentment with the team's young prospects participating in the Arizona Fall League, but didn't go into much detail regarding certain players the club may target on the free-agent market.
Furthermore, Mills gave the vote of confidence on behalf of second baseman Kaz Matsui, and indicated that three-time All-Star ace Roy Oswalt told him in a phone conversation last week that he's feeling better and close to being healthy.
In regard to Valverde, Mills complimented the All-Star closer and told Houston fans to see how it plays out with the economics.
One thing's for sure -- Mills welcomes the challenge of restoring the Astros.
"It's going to be a fun challenge, and I'm looking forward to it," Mills added. "I've been breaking down videos of the players, talking to them over the phone and getting a chance to meet several of the guys when they drop by Minute Maid Park to workout. With our solid coaching staff and talent on the field, I really like what I see."
Astroline won't broadcast next Wednesday due to the Thanksgiving holiday, but will return to action Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m., with Hamilton welcoming Wade as his guest.
Listeners can call in with questions for the Astros general manager at 713-212-5874, or watch the show live from Sherlock's Baker Street Pub while eating dinner and enjoying a few drinks among fellow Houston fans.
Also, the broadcast will be streamed live at www.astros.com.
Comments