Guardians notes: Hall calls for radio play-by-play voice Tom Hamilton

CLEVELAND — A moment Guardians radio broadcaster Tom Hamilton's will never forget will occur Saturday in Cooperstown, N.Y. He is the 2025 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, given to a broadcaster that has made "major contributions to baseball." Frick was a former commissioner of Major League Baseball. Hamilton, 70, cried while talking with the media Tuesday at Progressive Field. He's leaving today with his wife Wendy and will drive to Cooperstown. "It's very emotional," the Avon Lake resident said. "It's kind of surreal. It's hard to grasp. It's overwhelming at times. You're very humbled by it. All of us know how lucky we are to be in this game." Born Aug. 19, 1954, in Waterloo, Wisc., Hamilton came to Cleveland in 1990 after spending the previous three years calling games for the AAA Columbus Clippers. He credits friend Terry Smith, then the voice of the Clippers, with giving him his big chance. "Without the AAA experience for three years, I'm not sitting here today," Hamilton said. "If I had any hope about getting a major league job, I needed AAA experience. Terry and the Clippers afforded me that." Once he came to the Indians, now Guardians, he quickly became a fan favorite with his home run calls. "I haven't had a bad partner in 36 years," he said, referring to Herb Score, Dave Nelson, Matt Underwood, Mike Hegan and curently Jim Rosenhaus. "For seven months (a year), you're with your partners more than your family. I've worked with good people and really good friends." Hamilton said he's been blessed to be a part of 14 Cleveland teams that have made the playoffs, along with three World Series clubs. Once he joined the team, he was thrilled to meet broadcasting idols like Ernie Harwell, Vin Scully, Jon Miller and Bob Uecker. Now, he's part of the fraternity. "I don't feel I should be in that class with them," he said. "I can't think that way. I'm not at any of their levels. It's an incredible honor." RARE MISCUE Gold Glove first baseman Carlos Santana committed his first fielding error of the season for the Guardians on Monday. He was so distraught after the miscue he apologized to the team in the dugout. In the top of the third, winning pitcher Tanner Bibee had a chance for a one-two-three inning, but Santana dropped a throw from third baseman Jose Ramirez. The next batter, former Guardians outfielder Ramon Laureano, blasted a two-run homer, which gave the Baltimore Orioles a 5-3 lead. Cleveland came from behind for a 10-5 victory. "He apologized to everyone," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "Everyone makes mistakes. You're allowed to make an error. You're allowed to strike out. It's the hardest game in the world to play." SURGING In 17 games since being promoted from AAA Columbus, shortstop Brayan Rocchio was hitting .286 (14-for-49) prior to Tuesday. The switch-hitter was hitting .165 when he was sent to the minors. He also has committed just one error in those games compared before he was sent to the minors. CLEANING UP Designated hitter Kyle Manzardo was in the cleanup spot for the second consecutive night. Ten of his 16 homers have tied the game or given the Guardians the lead. "He's ready for the moment," Vogt said. "It's a tough task hitting behind Jose (Ramirez). A lot of times hitters put a lot of pressure on themselves. He relaxes. Kyle is ready for that mistake pitch. He's been great in big moments." Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com.