CLEVELAND, Ohio — For 36 years, Tom Hamilton’s voice has been the soundtrack of Cleveland baseball, bringing the game to life for generations of fans. As the legendary broadcaster prepares to receive the Ford C. Frick Award presented by the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, two managers who have worked closely over the last 13 seasons with him shared their thoughts on what makes the play-by-play man special.

Terry Francona, who spent 11 seasons as Cleveland’s longest-tenured manager, admits he didn’t initially grasp Hamilton’s brilliance despite their daily pregame conversations.

“When I first came over here I didn’t realize how good he was,” Francona said. “I talked to him every day and loved him. And then one day in the winter I called the offices and they put me on hold. In the background they were playing some of Hammy’s calls and I’m like, ‘God, he’s good.’ That was the first time I think I ever heard it.”

The only other times Francona would get to hear parts of Hamilton’s broadcasts was in his office following an ejection. That happened 16 times while he managed Cleveland.

When asked about his favorite Hamilton call, Francona didn’t hesitate.

“I think it’s still the Jason Giambi walk-off against the White Sox in 2013,” he said. “We were getting ready to kind of (collapse) that game and he saved us. Part of it was Giambi and part of it was just, I thought it was a great call.”

Current Guardians manager Stephen Vogt has quickly developed an appreciation for Hamilton’s expertise and personality during their daily interactions.

“He’s a great resource for me,” Vogt said. “He’s seen more baseball and been around it longer than I have. I love our daily dialogue. It’s an honor for me to be able to sit down with Hammy and do a radio show, but so much more just hearing his stories, his perspectives, it’s been really fun.”

Vogt was well aware of Hamilton’s reputation in the booth before arriving in Cleveland.

“If I was driving for a while, I would see if a Cleveland game was on just to listen to him,” Vogt revealed. “He’s one of the best, that’s why he’s going in the Hall of Fame. He just brings so much energy. You feel like you’re in the ballpark.”

While Vogt acknowledged last year’s playoff moments as memorable Hamilton calls, including Jhonkensy Noel’s home run against the Yankees in the ALCS and David Fry’s walk-off in the same game, he also appreciates Hamilton’s consistent enthusiasm.

“Even just the random solo shot in the fourth, it doesn’t matter,” Vogt said. “Hammy’s into the game all the time. Even the ‘Down goes Anderson’ call from when Hosey (José Ramírez) fought Tim Anderson. Just to have the wherewithal in the moment to go there.”

Both managers praised Hamilton’s personal qualities as much as his broadcasting talent. Francona noted how their daily conversations built trust, while Vogt described Hamilton as “an infectious person” who “brings joy” to everyone around him.

“He knows everyone’s name, he remembers. He’s got stories. He’s just such a great person,” Vogt said.

For nine different Cleveland managers, Hamilton has been more than just the voice of the team — he’s been a trusted colleague whose passion for the game and genuine warmth have made him a beloved figure throughout the organization and worthy of baseball’s highest broadcasting honor.

Generative AI was used to organize information for this story.

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