Countdown to Opening Day: An alarmingly long interview with Tom Hamilton, voice of the Indians and guy we’re sorta obsessed with

Talk to us, Tom. Talk to us.

Opening Day is only five short days away, which means it’s less than a week until we get to hear the golden voice of Indians announcer Tom Hamilton.
Cleveland baseball just wouldn’t be the same without his trademark, “Swung on and belted to deep left… AWAYYY back… gone!”, or, “Swung on and missed…. BALLGAME!,” or the simple but divine, “How about that!” For any true Indians fan who listens to the radio with the TV turned down, or the expatriate friends of the feather living far from home, Hammy’s voice is enough to give you goosebumps, or cry, or, if you’re me and don’t have much else to live for, both. For my money, he’s the best in the business. (I’ve only heard, like, three other announcers, but screw it: My money’s on Tom).
Entering his 19th year in the Tribe’s radio booth, Hamilton kindly agreed to have his brain picked on some of the team’s burning questions for this year and beyond. We talked for more than an hour. I would have stayed on the phone for six. Is that weird?
Click through to find out Hammy’s opinions on C.C’s contract status, the imminent demise of the DavidJasonDelluciMichaels platoon, why Asdrubal Cabrera will be batting second to start the season, which minor leaguers will make an impact in 2008, why the Indians are the favorites in the AL, and the strangest request he’s ever gotten from a fan. – Vince Grzegorek

This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2008.