More Astros legends added to Blue Star Gala saluting Milo Hamilton
Event set for October 16 at Minute Maid Park; Hank Aaron among several special guests
HOUSTON, TX -- The Astros will honor Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton with A Blue Star Gala, which will be held on the field at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 16. The night will be a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of many former Major League star players that have been touched by Hamilton, including baseball legend and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, whose record-breaking 715th home run was called by Hamilton in 1974.
In recent days, several more former Astros stars have been added to the guest list, including J.R. Richard, Bob Watson, Roger Clemens and Jose Cruz.
Over 600 tickets have been sold to this tribute to Hamilton, who retired following the 2012 season after 59 seasons calling Major League Baseball. Hamilton’s 59 seasons as a Major League broadcaster rank second all-time to Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully’s 64 seasons. 2012 was Hamilton’s 28th season as the radio voice of the Houston Astros. One of Hamilton’s signature phrases has been “put a blue star on that one” after a fine defensive play is made.
Other former Astros players that are scheduled to attend the gala include Craig Biggio, Larry Dierker, Enos Cabell, Jimmy Wynn, Phil Garner and Billy Doran. Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane will also be in attendance.
The night will include special video tributes from former President George H.W. Bush with wife Barbara, Emmy Award-winning sportscaster Bob Costas and Hall of Fame broadcasters Scully, Bob Uecker and Marty Brennaman.
AUCTION ITEMS ADDED
The event will also include a silent auction featuring unique experiences and autographed memorabilia from Hamilton, Aaron and other Hall of Famers. Proceeds will benefit the Astros In Action Foundation (AIAF). Auction items will include:
*A 2005 World Series Package featuring baseballs signed by Andy Pettitte and Roy Oswalt, an official, game-used line-up card and a commemorative 2005 World Series baseball, pin, program and media guide.
*A set of baseballs signed by six Hall of Famers representing clubs that Hamilton called games for during his long career: Stan Musial (Cardinals); Billy Williams (Cubs), Carlton Fisk (White Sox); Hank Aaron (Braves); Bill Mazeroski (Pirates); Nolan Ryan (Astros).
* A “Swing For The Fences” package that includes a batting practice session at Minute Maid Park, two field passes to watch Astros batting practice and two dugout level tickets to an Astros game on a mutually agreeable date.
Franci Crane, wife of Jim Crane, Terri Havens and Sara Morgan, all AIAF Board Members, are serving as the co-chairs of the gala.
Currently, the top sponsors for the event include: Franci and Jim Crane, Carolyn Faulk/ACPlastics, Sara and Bill Morgan, Don Sanders, Capital One Bank, Marathon Oil Corporation, Elizabeth and Drayton McLane, Sysco Corporation, The Methodist Hospital System, AAA Capital Management, Fred Lummis/Will Galtney and Sybil Roos. Sponsorship packages and tickets for the gala can be purchased at www.astros.com/community or by calling 713-259-8975. Sponsorships begin at $5,000 and individual tickets start at $150.
Astros In Action Foundation Mission: Through the strength of the national pastime, we will enhance the quality of life in our community. Our core areas of giving: Youth baseball and softball, cancer research and treatment, military efforts.