Elston was born on March 26, 1922, in Iowa. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before attending the University of Iowa, where he studied journalism and began his broadcasting career at the university's radio station.
After graduation, Elston worked for several radio stations in the Midwest before moving to New York City in 1954 to become a broadcaster for the Mutual Broadcasting System. There, he covered a variety of sports, including baseball, football, and boxing. He also served as the voice of the CBS Game of the Week in the late 1950s.
In 1962, Elston moved to Houston to become the lead broadcaster for the newly formed Houston Colt .45s (later renamed the Astros). He quickly became a beloved figure in the city, known for his calm, measured delivery and deep knowledge of the game. During his 25-year tenure with the Astros, Elston called some of the most memorable moments in franchise history, including Mike Scott's no-hitter to clinch the National League West in 1986.
Elston's contributions to baseball were recognized in 2006 when he received the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for "major contributions to baseball." He was also inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2002.
Despite retiring from full-time broadcasting in 1986, Elston remained active in the baseball community. He authored several books on the history of the game and served as a consultant for the Astros and other organizations. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 93.
Throughout his career, Gene Elston was admired for his professionalism, his passion for baseball, and his ability to convey the drama and excitement of the game to listeners. His distinctive voice and insightful commentary left a lasting impact on the world of sports broadcasting.
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Sep 27, 1964Sep 27, 1964
The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the...
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Colt .45s Radio Broadcast / The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the Los Angeles Dodgers, played on September 27, 1964 at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Don Drysdale for the Dodgers and Bob Bruce for the Colt .45s. Drysdale, a future Hall of Famer, was renowned for his intimidating presence on the mound and his exceptional control. Bruce, on the other hand, was a solid starter for the Colt .45s, known for his competitive nature. At this point in the season, the Dodgers were in the thick of a tight pennant race in the National League, while the Colt .45s were trying to finish their season on a high note. The 1964 season was marked by several significant stories, including the Philadelphia Phillies' infamous late-season collapse, and the exceptional performance of the St. Louis Cardinals, who would eventually win the World Series.
The game was a classic pitcher's duel, with both Drysdale and Bruce throwing scoreless innings well into extra innings. Neither team could muster much offense, with the Dodgers and the Colt .45s managing just five hits apiece. For the Dodgers, Tommy Davis managed a double, while Dick Tracewski and Nate Oliver each contributed a single. For the Colt .45s, Joe Morgan, known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds, had two hits, while Jimmy Wynn drove in the game's only run. Both pitchers were in control throughout, with Drysdale striking out six and Bruce matching him with six strikeouts of his own.
The game remained scoreless until the 12th inning, when Rusty Staub, the future All-Star, led off the inning for the Colt .45s. Despite not registering a hit in the game, Staub managed to reach base and eventually scored the game's only run on a hit by Wynn. The Dodgers, despite a solid performance from Drysdale, were unable to respond in their half of the inning, leading to a 1-0 victory for the Colt .45s.
The game was indicative of the larger trends of the 1964 season. The Dodgers, despite a strong roster and excellent performances from players like Drysdale, were unable to secure a playoff spot, finishing the season in sixth place in the National League. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, ended their season in ninth place, but the game was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season. The game also highlighted the talent of players like Drysdale and Morgan, who would go on to have exceptional careers in Major League Baseball. The 1964 season was ultimately won by the St. Louis Cardinals, who defeated the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game World Series.