Astros Broadcaster Bill Brown announces retirement

Longtime Astros broadcaster Bill Brown will publicize his retirement after the 2016 season at a press conference today, the team announced on Thursday.

Brown officially joined the Astros in 1987 and has served as the Astros primary television broadcaster for 30 seasons — the team recognized his service to the team with a special pregame ceremony on June 19.

Brown’s final scheduled broadcast will be the Astros final season home game of the 2016 season on Sept. 28 vs. the Seattle Mariners.

“This is one of the best play-by-play jobs in the country,” Brown said of his 30 seasons with the Astros. “Astros fans, the Astros organization and the community of Houston has been great to us. We never dreamed when I took this job that we’d be here this long. I look forward to watching the Root Sports team in 2017 and will be attending many games as a lifelong Astros fan .”

Brown called many historic Astros event including seven playoff appearances, Craig Biggio’s 3,000th hit, Ivan Rodriguez’s Major League record-setting 2,227th game caught in 2009, Jeff Bagwell’s 400th career home run, 2,000 career hits for Bagwell, Miguel Tejada and Carlos Lee, Darryl Kile and Mike Fiers’ no-hitters, and the combined no-hitter in 2003.

“Bill Brown’s unwavering commitment and passion for the Houston Astros has inspired fans for many years,” Astros owner Jim Crane said. “On behalf of everyone in the Astros organization, I want to personally thank Bill for his great work, his genuine love for this team, and his commitment to exceptional work. Bill Brown has had a Hall of Fame caliber broadcasting career – and we are fortunate it has been with the Houston Astros.”

“Congratulations to Bill and his family as they start a new chapter following this 30-year run,” Ryan said. “We look forward to having Bill remain a part of our Astros family as he will continue to participate in our ongoing community efforts.”