Astros’ All-Time: Best (and worst) broadcasters

The Best (and Worst) Broadcasters in Houston Astros History

A great broadcaster does more than just call the game—they become the voice of a franchise, the soundtrack of summer nights, and the link between generations of fans. Houston has been fortunate to have some of baseball’s best behind the mic, from the golden age of radio to today’s high-tech broadcasts.

So, who’s the best ever? Who’s the voice fans still hear in their heads when they think of Astros baseball? And if we’re talking about the best… what about the worst?

Let’s break it down.

First, I have to reminisce. Spent countless nights as a young gun with a little transistor radio, snuggling under covers (well passed bedtime) listening through the staticky delivery from Gene and Loel. They are hard to beat!

Best Houston Astros Radio Broadcasters of All Time

? 1. Gene Elston (1962-1986) – The Voice of the Astros

✅ Role: Lead Play-by-Play
✅ Legacy:

  • The original voice of the Houston Colt .45s/Astros (1962).
  • 25 years behind the mic, bringing Astros baseball to life.
  • Winner of the Ford C. Frick Award (2006), the highest honor for a baseball broadcaster.
  • Called Nolan Ryan’s fifth no-hitter (1981) and the 1980 NLCS vs. the Phillies.

? Elston set the gold standard for Astros broadcasting—calm, professional, and always in control.

2. Milo Hamilton (1985-2012) – “Holy Toledo!”

✅ Role: Lead Play-by-Play
✅ Legacy:

  • Called Craig Biggio’s 3,000th hit (2007).
  • Iconic “Holy Toledo!” catchphrase.
  • Inducted into the Hall of Fame (Ford C. Frick Award, 1992).
  • Called Astros’ first-ever NL pennant win in 2005.

? More personality-driven than Elston, but just as beloved.

3. Robert Ford (2013-Present) – The Modern Voice

✅ Role: Lead Play-by-Play
✅ Legacy:

  • Took over in 2013, bringing a fresh but classic style.
  • Called the Astros’ first-ever World Series title in 2017.
  • Masterful at storytelling, blending stats and history.
  • Strong chemistry with partner Steve Sparks.

? Already one of the best in franchise history.

4. Brett Dolan & Dave Raymond (2006-2012) – The Underrated Duo

✅ Roles: Play-by-Play (Dolan) & Color Analyst (Raymond)
✅ Legacy:

  • Followed Milo Hamilton and called Biggio’s final game in 2007.
  • Steady, engaging voices during tough rebuilding years.
  • Raymond later became the Texas Rangers’ TV voice.

? Not as iconic, but a solid bridge between eras.

Best Houston Astros Color Analysts

? 1. Larry Dierker (1979-1996, 2004-2005) – The Best to Do It

✅ Role: Color Analyst
✅ Legacy:

  • Former Astros pitcher turned broadcaster.
  • Incredibly sharp baseball mind with great storytelling.
  • Became Astros manager (1997-2001), winning four division titles.
  • Returned to the booth after managing.

? A rare combination of deep baseball knowledge and charisma.

2. Steve Sparks (2013-Present) – Knuckleballer Turned Storyteller

✅ Role: Color Analyst
✅ Legacy:

  • Former MLB knuckleball pitcher, bringing a unique perspective.
  • Excellent chemistry with Robert Ford.
  • Great sense of humor while breaking down the game.

? If he stays long enough, he could challenge Dierker for No. 1.

3. Alan Ashby (1998-2005, 2013-Present) – Catcher’s Insight

✅ Role: Color Analyst (Radio & TV)
✅ Legacy:

  • Former Astros catcher (1979-1989) turned broadcaster.
  • Balanced insight and storytelling, with a player’s perspective.
  • Did both radio and TV, making him a versatile presence.

? One of the most respected voices in Houston baseball.

4. Jim Deshaies (1997-2012) – The Thinking Fan’s Analyst

✅ Role: Color Analyst (Mostly TV)
✅ Legacy:

  • Former Astros pitcher (1985-1991) turned top-tier analyst.
  • Witty, intelligent, and great at explaining the game.
  • Later became the Chicago Cubs’ TV analyst.

? One of the smartest baseball broadcasters Houston has had.

Best Astros Broadcast Duos of All Time

1️⃣ Gene Elston & Loel Passe (1962–1976)

  • The original voices of the Colt .45s and early Astros.
  • Elston was smooth, precise, and professional.
  • Passe added his famous folksy touch (“Hot dog! What a play!”).
  • They set the standard for Astros broadcasting.

2️⃣ Milo Hamilton & Alan Ashby (1998–2005)

  • Milo, the Hall of Famer, brought legendary pipes and experience.
  • Ashby, a former Astros catcher, added insight and wit.
  • Called Biggio’s 3,000th hit and the 2005 NL Pennant.

3️⃣ Bill Brown & Jim Deshaies (1997–2012)

  • Brownie, the ultimate pro—steady, knowledgeable, and easy to listen to.
  • Deshaies (J.D.), the fan-favorite ex-pitcher, brought humor and modern analytics.
  • Arguably the best TV pairing in team history.

4️⃣ Robert Ford & Steve Sparks (2013–Present)

  • Ford, the first African American lead play-by-play voice in Houston history, is sharp and professional.
  • Sparks, a former knuckleballer, brings fun and deep baseball knowledge.
  • Have become the soundtrack of the golden era of Astros baseball.

? Honorable Mentions:

  • Milo Hamilton & Larry Dierker (mid-’80s) – Short-lived but two legends in the booth.
  • Gene Elston & Dewayne Staats (1980s) – Solid combo before Staats moved on.
  • Todd Kalas & Geoff Blum (Current TV duo) – Strong chemistry, but still adding to their legacy.

And the Worst?

? Worst Broadcaster: Fran Healy (1980s, TV)
✅ Legacy (or lack thereof):

  • Bland, forgettable, and uninspiring.
  • Never connected with the fanbase.

? Worst Broadcast Pairing: Milo Hamilton & Anyone He Didn’t Like
✅ Legacy:

  • Milo was great—except when he clashed with color anaylsts.
  • Feuds with partners like Ashby and Dierker made for awkward moments.

Final Thoughts

Who’s the GOAT of Astros broadcasters?

  • Gene Elston was the most iconic play-by-play voice.
  • Milo Hamilton had the biggest personality and key calls.
  • Larry Dierker is the best color analyst in team history.
  • Robert Ford & Steve Sparks are making a strong case as the best modern duo.

Houston has been blessed with some of baseball’s best behind the mic. And whether you grew up listening to Elston, yelling “Holy Toledo!” with Milo, or celebrating championships with Ford and Sparks, one thing is clear: great broadcasters make the game unforgettable.

Who’s your favorite Astros voice? Let’s hear it!

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29 responses to “Astros’ All-Time: Best (and worst) broadcasters”

  1. Not to change the subject, but mid last week we heard that Forrest Whitley had bruised his knee pitching against the Yankees on March 8. Has anyone seen any update since? It would be a real long shot to see Forrest on the Opening Day roster at this point.

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    • Are you suggesting he is a long shot because he won’t be healed from the bruised knee, the Astros have not seen enough in his 5 IP to decide if he can be in their bullpen, or believe he has not had enough work to be ready to come in and throw 1 inning at a time? Who do you have in your bullpen instead?

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      • All of the above Devin. But I also don’t have a complete bullpen for you. It might come down to the wire. And I’d be guessing at who will make up the 13 guys on offense. So I’m not much help right now.

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  2. When Dierker was involved, I avidly listened . He’s probably my favorite astro because of his historical insights and also, I felt he was a good manager. With apologies to the rest, I usually turn the sound off unless one of the coaches are being interviewed.

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    • Larry, plus Dierker might have had something to do with the Big Bamboo, that convenient little bar just inside the entry gate down the right field line. A man for all seasons!

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    • The Cam dilemma is interesting.

      On one hand, the Astros will play their 16th game on April 14th in St. Louis, and their first home game on April 18th in Houston. If they wanted to control service time and another year of control, one of those two dates is the earliest you will see him.

      If you are Brown and you think he can finish in the top 2 in ROY voting, you play him now anyway because service time doesn’t matter for those 4 players every year – they get the full year service time anyway. If he doesn’t finish in the top 2 though, you just lost an entire year. That’s why I don’t think you see him until April 18th, and maybe even later if Chas or Jake one don’t hand him a job.

      But I’m betting before 2025 is over with, he will be an everyday player at either 3B or RF and batting 6th or 7th.

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  4. Great list, very quibbles. Gene Elston was the best, in fact, one of the best I’ve heard anywhere.

    For #1 lousy broadcaster though I gotta go with Bob Prince. Fortunately he wasn’t around long, but just awful.

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  5. My all-time best radio play-by-play is Gene Elston. When I listened to him, I felt like I was in a grassy field watching the game unwind. He was not full of himself, as Hamilton was, just an easy way of painting a mental picture of the game itself.

    The worst radio play-by-play has got to be Brett Dolan. I felt like I had to take a nap when he was on.

    The best color man, on the radio, has been Larry Dierker. Yes, he is a walking baseball encyclopedia and we are all poorer in knowledge without his sage input in our ears.

    The worst color man, on the radio, was Dave Raymond. I also felt like taking a nap when he was on.

    The best television play-by-play has got to be Bill Brown. Never intimated the listener and steady as could be.

    The worst television play-by-play is Todd Kalas. He makes so many mistakes during the broadcast and the chit chat about food, with Julia, is irritating to me. Talk baseball man!!!

    The best color man, on television, has been Jim Deshaies. A quick wit and vast knowledge of the game was wonderful to listen to.

    The worst color man, on television, to me has to be Geoff Blum. Yes, he is very knowledgeable, quick wits, and patient when Kalas makes his mistakes. However, I also dislike the chit chat about the food with Julia. Boring! To me, that alone wipes out his other great talents. When I listen to him on 790AM, he is great to listen to. I only wish he kept that character in the television booth.

    My current choice for best Astros’ announcing personality is radio play-by-play man Robert Ford. He is a down-the-middle person who will call out the bad plays and really get excited at the great plays. I enjoy his “See ya later, see ya later” calls.

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    • Agree, Elston was the best all time.

      Unmentioned for some reason is Harry Kalas, who was also terrific.

      I would rate Deshaies as #1 color guy, followed quickly by Dierker. Both could entertain you (and thus keep you listening) even when the team was bad.

      Loel Passe was sort of the best and the worst rolled up into one guy. I can state with certainty my relatives in East Texas absolutely loved him. The franchise lost some loyal fans when it canned him.

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  6. Jose Altuve with another error this evening.

    I don’t think he is going to be the opening day left fielder after all.

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    • Opening Day is 8 days away with still many questions unanswered. I think they’ll stick with Altuve, at least initially. The problem is that his flat out bad defensive stats at second base are glaring. Where do the Astros hide him for the next five Years?

      And then we have the Cam issue. Dezenzo. Rodgers. G-Man. Singleton? Gamel? Hummel? Which of these guys are on the roster Opening Day?

      And then there is the pen. Questions there too. 8 days!

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      • I just wrote an amazing comment about how the Astros were on the verge of covering the corner outfield spots using four players who are primarily infielders and perhaps it was moving us towards your offseason suggestion…but didn’t hit that post button quickly enough and the Braves beat us by signing Alex Verdugo.

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      • Gosh Devin, Verdugo for 1.5 million. We could have picked him up and stayed under the cap. A guy with a career .781 OPS against righties. And not a bad fielder. All I can figure is that the guy really is a challenge to work with.

        It sounds like the Astros are getting close to giving Smith the right field job. I think I’d rather wait a bit. And I’m sorry I missed your post.

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  8. Dezenzo and Cam Smith are literally tearing the cover off the baseball but I doubt we’ll see either one make the team out of ST. Meanwhile look at the BA’s of the everyday players in the line up:

    Altuve .188

    Alvarez .147

    Paredes .179

    Dubon .176

    McCormick .143

    Singleton .176

    I hope this is ST adjustment period but either way that’s pathetic.

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    • As I noted above, I think the Astros are going to give Cam Smith a shot. I feel bad for Zach Dezenzo though. Bringing him up first might have been a better idea initially. But who knows? Seems to me there are about 5 or 6 spots on the 26 man that are not yet fully determined.

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  9. I told Chip I would comment on this and finally got a shot.

    • I loved this list – so much of my childhood through teendom was tied to listening to games on the radio
    • Gene Elston is number one for me, but I like Robert Ford for similar reasons. Both very under control – but with excitement when needed.
    • Milo was a self promoter and seller of goods – he had a great voice but too much ego.
    • One guy not mentioned was a Hall of Famer – Harry Kalas, Todd’s dad. Before he was Mr. everything for the Phillies he worked for the Astros. In truth he was not as memorable from that time – but there is no doubt that this is where he learned his craft.
    • Most of these guys have been solid. Todd and Geoff talking to Julia does not bother me.
    • Dierker is my number one color guy – Blum and Deshaies were second for me.
    • Always loved Bill Brown.
    • Staats was good too
    • Steve Sparks is my nominee for most improved – he was tough to listen to early but is good now.

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    • Dan, the guys talking to Julia does not bother me. It is the fact that when the chat is not baseball is what bugs me. I could not care less about what they are eating.

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  10. Zach Dezenzo is refusing to be left behind. Is there anyway Altuve stays in left (where I think he will) and both Dezenzo and Smith make the roster next Friday? Both guys need to play almost daily, whether as an Astro or a Space Cowboy.

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    • Dezenzo seems ready to make the team. I just can’t see Chas being a better choice than him to play in RF every day . Cam has been the best hitter this Spring, but I think management will send delay his clock starting and May bring him up in late May.. Maybe Chas can platoon with Meyers in CF.

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  11. I can see Dezenzo getting 5 starts a week between left, right and first initially, if Walker is still somewhat slowed. But yeah, that would mean Cam would have to start in AAA.

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    • I like to think the Astros are smart. Then I see news of them trying to trade for a 34 year old third baseman in a clear and obvious decline with 3 years of a lot of money left on his contract and wonder.

      The Astros best lineup offensively is probably Dezenzo in LF, Smith in RF, and Altuve at 2B.

      Let me devils advocate that a little. Guillorme was brought here for a reason. 16% K rate, 11% walk rate, .336 career OBP, extends pitch counts, these are the things like Brown likes. It’s why Jon Singleton has survived into a 3rd season of most fans and media asking why. It’s why you are seeing an extended look at Cooper Hummel, a career of minor league time demonstrating very good K/BB ratios, extending at bats. The problem is none of those guys are very good bat to ball guys the way Dezenzo and Smith are – and Smith has shown an ability to control the strike zone, not chase, extend at bats, and take advantage of finally getting that pitch he wants.

      If the Astros are smart, they open the season with Smith at AAA. That way they don’t have to release someone, and it’s 15 games. On game 16 you can see him. Zach has had a good ST, but he still has 12 K’s and just 5 walks in 46 PAs. This is pretty much in line with his minor league track record of walking just enough to be passable and striking out a lot but not too much. While I would open with Zach as my starting LFer, as we both have been clamoring for since around November, I won’t be surprised if he starts either on the bench or at AAA.

      At some point, the Astros do have to ask someone to change the profile of this team with guys like Pena and Diaz and now Rodgers and even Altuve spending a lot of bats seeing few pitches and swinging at so much out of the zone. A guy like Guillorme making your team gives you a chance to send someone out there for a game or even an at bat that can help you do that. It’s why Singleton has survived (and might still yet again).

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      • And like I mentioned before, don’t forget about Cooper Hummel. He has the second most plate appearances in the spring, which tells me the Astros are looking. He is another guy that can force pitches and work a walk even if his bat to ball skills are not on the level of Smith or Dezenzo. He has quietly put together the exact ST he wanted to – 7 BBs and 8 K’s in 39 PAs, a .425 OBP, and a lot of positional flexibility (every corner and even a third catcher that allows you to DH Diaz at times with less worry). Hummel is no star, heck, give him 400 PAs and you probably regret it, but you got a guy that is in now or never mode, with tons of baseball experience, that is seeing the ball better than he ever has and is probably in his prime at 29. While he isn’t on my opening day roster, it won’t surprise me if he is on the Astros.

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      • My fear is that getting off to the slow start in 2024 and still passing the Mariners will embolden Brown/Crane to do the same thing this year. There are so many guys on our 40 man roster who realistically should only compete for the 26th spot and nothing higher. They’re going to have to do something with Corona, Leon, Gamel, Hummel, Trammell, and Chas. You can’t simply release them all because someone has to play with the big league club now and you have to anticipate some injuries will occur through the season. While I’ve been advocating for Dezenzo, remember he missed a lot of time in his minor league seasons thus far. I think he’s going to be a legit major leaguer and could play any of the corner positions and SS in a pinch (100+ games in college). I don’t want to see him sit on a bench 3/4 games. I really want to see more Cam Smith, but if Brown sends him to CC or Sugarland with a promise that he has a chance to make it to Houston after 3 weeks of learning the outfield if things go well then I can’t blame them for that approach. If I’m Brown, I’m giving Chas a chance to look like a major leaguer again and hoping Jake just improves somehow so the outfield isn’t a dumpster fire.

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  12. Elston hands down best, then Brown. Analysts, Dierker and Ashby, and I do like Blum. Never really cared for Milo, Kalas is OK, but he makes a lot of mistakes, but his dad was one of the greats.

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