Hubbry Logo
Darryl HamiltonDarryl HamiltonMain
Open search
Darryl Hamilton
Community hub
Darryl Hamilton
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Darryl Hamilton
Darryl Hamilton
Darryl Hamilton
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Darryl Hamilton, Nicholls Colonels

Key Information

Darryl Quinn Hamilton (December 3, 1964 – June 21, 2015) was an American professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1988 and 2001 for the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, and New York Mets. Hamilton prepped at Louisiana State University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge and then attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Baseball career

[edit]

Milwaukee Brewers

[edit]

Hamilton was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round of the 1986 Major League Baseball draft and signed a contract with them on June 12, 1986.[1] He made his professional debut that season with the Helena Gold Sox of the Rookie-level Pioneer League, hitting .391 in 65 games.[2] In 1987 with the Stockton Ports of the Class A California League, he hit .328 in 125 games with eight homers and 61 RBI,[2] on a team that was rated one of the top farm teams in Brewers history.[3] He began 1988 with the Denver Zephyrs of the Class AAA American Association, where he hit .325 in 72 games.[2]

Hamilton made his MLB debut on June 3, 1988, as a defensive replacement for Robin Yount in the top of the seventh inning against the California Angels. Then, in his first at-bat, in the bottom of the inning, he singled to center field off Stew Cliburn of the Angels for his first major league hit.[4] He hit his first home run off Bret Saberhagen of the Kansas City Royals on July 19, 1988.[5] In 44 games with the Brewers during the second half of the 1988 season, Hamilton hit .184.[1] His most notable moment that season was during his first start in left field, on September 3, he collided with shortstop Dale Sveum while chasing a blooper over third base. They collided with such force that Sveum's leg snapped, causing him to miss the rest of the season and all of the 1989 season and derailing his career.[6] Hamilton avoided injury but spent the entire 1989 season back in the minors with the Zephyrs, where he hit .286 in 129 games.[2]

In 1990, despite missing time with injuries, Hamilton played in 89 games and hit .295.[1] He was awarded with the Brewers "Unsung Hero Award" in 1990[7] and the "Good Guy Award" in 1991[8] when he hit .311 in 122 games[1] while still dealing with an assortment of injuries.[9]

Hamilton stole 41 bases for the Brewers in 1992, while hitting .298 in 128 games.[1] The Brewers as a team stole 256 bases, which was almost 100 more than the second place American League (AL) team.[10]

In a game on August 28, 1992, at SkyDome, in Toronto, before a crowd of 50,408, the Brewers set an AL record by recording 31 hits in a single game in a 22–2 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays. Hamilton had four hits and five RBI in that game.[11]

When long-time Brewer star Paul Molitor left via free agency before the 1993 season,[12] Hamilton became more important to the Brewers offense.[13] He had some more injuries this season,[14] but Hamilton still led his team in batting average (.310), hits (161), singles (130) and stolen bases (21)[1] and was awarded with the team's "Harvey Kuenn Award."[15]

The Brewers decision to move Hamilton from right field into center field for the 1994 season contributed to Hall of Famer Robin Yount's decision to retire after the 1993 season.[16]

In 1994, Hamilton played in only 36 games (hitting .262)[1] before he was shut down for the season and underwent reconstructive elbow surgery.[17] Despite missing most of the season, the Milwaukee chapter of the Baseball Writers Association voted him the recipient of the "Michael Harrison Award" for community service.[18] Hamilton was also one of the Brewers player representatives during the leadup to the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike.[19]

In his final season as a member of the Brewers, in 1995, Hamilton played in 112 games and hit .271 with 11 stolen bases. In his seven seasons with the team, he had an overall .290 batting average in 666 games and hit 23 home runs, drove in 253 RBI and stole 109 bases.[1] After the 1995 season, the Brewers declined Hamilton's $2.5 million contract option, making him a free agent. Hamilton filed a grievance against the Brewers, claiming he had been benched in the final weeks of the season in order to keep him from reaching 550 plate appearances which would have automatically picked up the option. The grievance was resolved in an undisclosed negotiated settlement.[20]

Texas Rangers

[edit]

Hamilton signed with the Texas Rangers on a one-year, $1.3 million, contract on December 14, 1995, for the 1996 season.[1] He was critical of the Brewers when he signed with the Rangers, saying they were not interested in building a winning team.[21] Hamilton played in a career best 148 games with the Rangers and was their regular starting center fielder.[22] He hit .293 with six homers and 51 RBI and also stole 15 bases.[1] He described his experience with the Rangers as "great."[21] Hamilton did not make an error all season and led all center fielders in putouts as the Rangers put a premium on defense that season.[22] The Rangers won the American League West division and the first playoff berth in franchise history.[23] In the 1996 American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, Hamilton had three hits in 19 at-bats as the Rangers dropped the series three games to one.[24]

San Francisco Giants

[edit]

Hamilton signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on January 10, 1997.[25] On June 12, he got the first hit in the first-ever regular-season interleague game, when the Giants defeated the Rangers 4–3.[26] In 125 games, Hamilton had a .270 batting average, five homers, 43 RBI and 15 stolen bases.[1] In the 1997 National League Division Series, Hamilton was hitless in five at-bats as the Giants were swept in three games by the eventual World Series champion Florida Marlins.[27] He followed that up by playing in 97 games for the Giants in 1998 and hitting .294.[1]

Colorado Rockies

[edit]

The Giants traded Hamilton and Jim Stoops to the Colorado Rockies for Ellis Burks on July 31, 1998. Hamilton was surprised by the trade, wanting to complete his contract in San Francisco.[28] In 51 games he hit .335.[1] He re-signed with the Rockies after the 1998 season for one year and $3.6 million[1] and played in 91 games in the 1999 season with an OBP of .374 for them.[1]

New York Mets

[edit]

Hamilton was traded to the New York Mets with Chuck McElroy for Rigo Beltrán, Brian McRae, and Thomas Johns on July 31, 1999.[29] He played with the Mets through the 2001 season. In his three seasons with them he played in 150 games and hit .283.[1] Hamilton and the Mets played in the post-season in both 1999 and 2000. In 1999, the Mets made the playoffs as a result of winning a one game playoff against the Cincinnati Reds.[30] Once in, they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1999 National League Division Series[31] before losing to the Atlanta Braves in six games in the National League Championship Series. Hamilton had six hits in 17 at-bats in that series.[32]

In 2000, the Mets defeated the San Francisco Giants in four games in the 2000 National League Division Series[33] and the St. Louis Cardinals in five games in the 2000 National League Championship Series.[34] Hamilton was a part-time player in the series, with only five at-bats in the division series and two in the championship series.[1] In the 2000 World Series against the New York Yankees was hitless in three at-bats with two strikeouts as the Yankees won the series in five games.[35] Hamilton was disappointed with his playing time during the playoffs and had a meeting with manager Bobby Valentine during spring training the following year to discuss his reduced playing time.[36] Things did not improve for him and he asked for his release at the end of June,[37] and it was granted on July 11, 2001.[1] He signed a minor league contract with the Rockies a week later, but was released on July 25[1] after four games with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.[2] He retired at the end of the 2001 season.[citation needed]

Over his 13-year career, Hamilton batted .291, with 51 home runs and 454 RBI in 1,328 games. As an outfielder, he collected 2,711 putouts and 45 assists, committing only 14 errors in 2,770 total chances, for a .995 fielding percentage.[1]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

Hamilton worked for MLB Advanced Media from 2003 to 2006 and also worked for NBC Sports Network's Sports Talk and KPRC-TV in Houston.[38] Also in Texas, Hamilton lent his voice to KFNC and KGOW.[39] At the conclusion of the 2006 baseball postseason, Hamilton began working in the Major League Baseball Commissioner's Office of On-Field Operations, reporting to Vice President Bob Watson.[citation needed]

In 2012, Hamilton was named as a color analyst for a limited series of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim games to be broadcast nationally by Compass Media Networks radio.[40] In 2013, he joined the MLB Network as an on-air analyst.[38] In 2014, Hamilton served as a part-time color analyst on Brewers radio broadcasts, rotating with Craig Counsell and Jerry Augustine to call games with Joe Block when primary announcer Bob Uecker was absent.[41]

Personal life

[edit]

Hamilton was married in 1994 to Access Hollywood anchor Shaun Robinson;[42] they later divorced. Hamilton married fashion model Ursaline Steinke in 2000, with whom he had two sons, Donovan and Julian.[43]

At the time of his death, Hamilton was living in an affluent neighborhood in suburban Houston, Texas, in a house belonging to his girlfriend, Monica Jordan. Jordan, a graduate of Florida State University and University of Houston Law Center, was an attorney who had been employed by Enron and Halliburton. The couple had a son together in 2014.[44]

Death

[edit]

Around 4:45 p.m. on June 21, 2015, Hamilton, 50, and his ex-girlfriend, Monica Jordan, 44, were found dead in their Pearland, Texas, house, in what appeared to be a murder–suicide.[45] Investigators said it appeared Hamilton had been shot more than once and Jordan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hamilton and Jordan's 14 month-old child was found alive by police in the home and taken into the custody of Texas Child Protective Services.[39] According to Pearland police, there did not appear to have been a struggle and the incident "occurred just inside the front door." A third party called 9-1-1.[44]

According to Brazoria County District Attorney Jeri Yenne, Jordan previously pleaded guilty to felony arson in 2008 arising from a 2006 incident in which she burned down the house in which she had been living with her then-husband Rohaven Richards. Jordan allegedly had suspected Richards of cheating on her and chased him around the house while trying to douse him in gasoline.[39]

Hamilton's remains are interred in Southern Memorial Gardens in Baton Rouge.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Darryl Hamilton

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Darryl Quinn Hamilton was an American professional baseball who played 13 seasons in (MLB) from 1988 to 2001 for five teams, renowned for his exceptional defensive prowess in center field and his role as a and base stealer. Born on December 3, 1964, in , Hamilton attended before being selected by the Brewers in the 11th round of the 1986 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on June 3, 1988, with the Brewers, where he established himself as a regular, playing primarily from 1990 to 1995 and posting a career-high 41 stolen bases in 1992. Over his career, Hamilton appeared in 1,328 games, compiling a .291 with 1,333 hits, 51 home runs, 454 runs batted in, and 163 stolen bases, while maintaining a .995 fielding percentage as an . Hamilton's defensive excellence peaked in 1996 with the Texas Rangers, when he set an American League record with 387 error-free chances in center field, a mark later surpassed. He later played for the San Francisco Giants (1997–1998), Colorado Rockies (1998–1999), and (1999–2001), contributing to playoff teams including the 2000 Mets, who reached the . After retiring as a player, Hamilton worked in the MLB Commissioner's Office and for before transitioning into broadcasting, serving as an analyst for the Brewers' radio broadcasts and joining as an on-air talent in 2013, where he provided commentary on various programs. Tragically, Hamilton died on June 21, 2015, at age 50, in a murder-suicide incident in , where he was shot multiple times by his girlfriend, Monica Jordan, who then took her own life; their young child was unharmed. His prompted tributes from the community, highlighting his contributions both on the field and in .

Early life and amateur career

Early life and education

Darryl Quinn Hamilton was born on December 3, 1964, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to parents John C. Hamilton Sr. and Geraldine Pitts Hamilton. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Hamilton experienced significant family challenges during his formative years, including his parents' divorce and his mother's battle with breast cancer, which profoundly influenced his resilience and outlook. These events shaped his character, fostering a strong emphasis on making positive first impressions, as reflected in his yearbook quote: "You never get a second chance, so always make the first impression the best." Hamilton attended University High School (also known as ) in Baton Rouge, graduating in 1982. The school did not field a team during his time there, so he played football and , demonstrating early determination and resourcefulness in pursuing his athletic passions outside formal baseball structures. After high school, Hamilton enrolled at in , where he joined the program as a non-scholarship walk-on. He spent four years at the university, balancing academics and athletics, which laid the groundwork for his transition to professional opportunities.

Amateur baseball achievements

Hamilton attended in , where he played for the Colonels from 1984 to 1986 as a walk-on . During his tenure, he emerged as a prolific base stealer and , setting school records that still stand as of 2025. Over three seasons, Hamilton stole 140 bases—a Nicholls State career record—and scored 193 runs while leading the team in runs scored each year. He also paced the Colonels in hits, with 77 in 1985 and 82 in 1986. In 1985, Hamilton had his most standout season, batting .379 with 77 hits, 67 runs scored (a single-season school record), 52 stolen bases, and 5 triples. He led the team in six offensive categories that year: runs, hits, stolen bases, triples, walks (38), and . For his performance, he earned First Team All-Gulf Star Conference honors. The following year, in 1986, Hamilton was recognized as a Preseason All-American by . Hamilton's college success culminated in his selection by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round (269th overall) of the 1986 MLB June Amateur Draft.

Professional baseball career

Milwaukee Brewers (1988–1995)

Darryl Hamilton was selected by the Brewers in the 11th round of the 1986 MLB June Amateur Draft out of . Following the draft, he began his professional career in the Brewers' system, starting with the Rookie-level Helena Gold Sox in the Pioneer League, where he hit .391 in 65 games during the 1986 season. In 1987, Hamilton advanced to the Class-A Stockton Ports in the , posting a over 125 games with eight home runs and 61 RBI, contributing to a team considered one of the top farm clubs in Brewers history. He progressed to Triple-A Zephyrs in the American Association for the 1988 season, batting .325 in 72 games before earning a promotion to the majors. After spending the entire 1989 season at with a .286 average in 129 games, Hamilton secured a full-time role in the major leagues starting in 1990. Hamilton made his MLB debut with the Brewers on June 3, 1988, as a 23-year-old , appearing in 44 games that year while batting .190 with no home runs, five RBI, and seven stolen bases. His initial major league stint was marked by adjustment challenges, as he struggled offensively amid limited playing time in a crowded . He returned to Triple-A for most of 1989 but broke out in 1990, hitting .280 in 89 games despite missing time due to injuries, earning the Brewers' Unsung Hero Award for his contributions. Over his seven seasons with the Brewers from to 1995, Hamilton established himself as a reliable switch-hitting , primarily in center field, with an overall of .291, 23 home runs, 253 RBI, 109 stolen bases, and 666 . As a , he excelled in getting on base and using his speed, notably stealing 41 bases in —leading the team in a season where Milwaukee swiped a league-high 256 bags—and batting .262 with 134 hits in 1993. Defensively, Hamilton demonstrated exceptional range and reliability, committing just a handful of errors during his Brewers tenure as part of a career .995 fielding percentage across 2,770 chances. One of Hamilton's most memorable performances came on August 28, 1992, when he collected four hits and five RBI in a 22-2 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays, helping the Brewers tie the record with 31 hits in a nine-inning game—a club mark that still stands. Injuries occasionally disrupted his progress, including time missed in 1990 and an injury-plagued 1994 that limited him to 36 games with a .262 . Despite these setbacks, he rebounded in 1995 with a .284 and 11 stolen bases in 112 games, solidifying his value as a table-setter. Following the 1995 season, the Brewers non-tendered Hamilton, granting him free agency on October 16, 1995. He quickly signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers on December 14, 1995, ending his primary tenure in .

Texas Rangers (1996)

Following his seven seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he established himself as a reliable , Darryl Hamilton signed with the Texas Rangers as a on December 14, 1995, to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million. In 1996, Hamilton served as the Rangers' primary and , appearing in 148 games and batting .293 with 6 home runs, 51 RBI, and 15 stolen bases. His consistent on-base skills (.348 OBP) and speed helped set the table for ' offense, contributing to their 90-72 record and first division title. Defensively, Hamilton set a Major League record with 389 total chances (387 putouts and 2 assists) without an error in center field over 1,266 , underscoring his reliability in . Hamilton's postseason debut came in the 1996 AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, where he went 3-for-19 () over four games as the Rangers lost the series 3-1. Despite the limited production, his regular-season efforts were pivotal to the team's playoff qualification. At season's end, Hamilton became a on October 15, 1996, paving the way for his departure from .

San Francisco Giants (1997)

Following his free agency after the 1996 season with the Texas Rangers, Darryl Hamilton signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the San Francisco Giants on January 10, 1997, to serve as their and . Transitioning from the , where he had benefited from the role, Hamilton adapted to the National League's demands by focusing on contact hitting and base-running, leveraging his defensive skills honed in prior AL stints to patrol center field effectively. Early in the season, however, he suffered a hamstring strain in April, sidelining him briefly but allowing a quicker-than-expected return after rest and rehabilitation. In 125 games during the regular season, Hamilton batted .270 with 124 hits, 23 doubles, 5 home runs, 43 RBI, and 15 stolen bases, contributing to the Giants' "worst-to-first" turnaround as they captured the title with a 90-72 record. A highlight came on June 12, , in the inaugural regular-season interleague game against his former team, the Rangers, where Hamilton recorded MLB's first interleague hit—a single off in the first inning—helping secure a 4-3 Giants . His steady presence atop the lineup provided on-base opportunities for power hitters like , though his modest power output underscored his role as a table-setter rather than a slugger. Hamilton appeared in two games of the 1997 against the Florida Marlins, going 0-for-5 at the plate but scoring one run as the Giants were swept 3-0. Despite his contributions to the regular-season success, including that fostered team chemistry on a diverse roster, Hamilton's limited extra-base production drew internal discussions about needing more offensive pop in center field. On July 31, 1998, the Giants traded Hamilton and pitcher Jim Stoops to the Colorado Rockies for outfielder and a (Kurt Miller), as the Giants sought to bolster their lineup for a playoff push.

Colorado Rockies (1998–1999)

On July 31, 1998, the Colorado Rockies acquired Hamilton and pitcher Jim Stoops from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for outfielder and a (Kurt Miller). In his 51 games with the Rockies that season, Hamilton posted a .335 with a .406 , 65 hits, and 30 runs scored, serving primarily as a and providing a consistent bat off the bench in the hitter-friendly environment of . His performance helped stabilize the outfield amid injuries to other players on a 77-85 team. Following the season, Hamilton signed a three-year, $10.5 million with the Rockies as a on December 22, 1998, returning as a key veteran presence for the young roster. In 1999, he appeared in 91 games before the trade deadline, batting .300 with a .372 on-base percentage, 99 hits, 59 runs, and 37 walks, while playing solid defense in center field with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage on 199 chances. The high-altitude conditions at Coors Field amplified his contact-oriented approach, allowing him to rank among the team's leaders in on-base percentage early in the season and contributing to offensive production on a developing squad featuring stars like Larry Walker and Todd Helton. Hamilton's time in Colorado was marked by his adaptability from the pitcher's park in San Francisco to the run-scoring haven of Denver, where he drew on prior interleague experience to adjust quickly to varied pitching styles. However, minor ailments and the team's need for prospects led to his on July 31, 1999, along with pitcher Chuck McElroy to the in exchange for outfielders and Rigo Beltrán. Over his 142 games with the Rockies across two seasons, Hamilton hit .314 overall, offering and reliability to a franchise still building toward contention.

New York Mets (1999–2001)

On July 31, 1999, the New York Mets acquired Darryl Hamilton from the Colorado Rockies along with pitcher Chuck McElroy in exchange for outfielder Brian McRae and pitcher Rigo Beltrán. Hamilton, who had been hitting .300 with the Rockies earlier that season, seamlessly integrated into the Mets' lineup as a center fielder and leadoff hitter, batting .345 with four home runs and 20 RBIs in 55 games. His strong contact hitting and on-base skills provided a boost during the Mets' intense National League East race, helping them secure a wild card spot after a one-game playoff win over the Cincinnati Reds on October 4. In 2000, Hamilton served as a versatile utility outfielder for the Mets, appearing in 89 regular-season games with a .267 batting average, two home runs, and 10 RBIs while drawing 29 walks for a .356 on-base percentage. He contributed depth to the team's outfield during their National League East championship and pennant-winning run, including appearances in the NL Division Series against the San Francisco Giants (one game, 0-for-1), the NL Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals (five games, 2-for-13, .154 average), and the World Series against the New York Yankees (three games, 0-for-5). Hamilton's ability to play all three outfield positions and his postseason experience from prior teams added stability to the Mets' roster amid injuries to key players. The 2001 season marked Hamilton's final year in , plagued by injuries including a issue in and a recurring big toe problem that sidelined him multiple times. Limited to 52 games, he hit .236 with no home runs and two RBIs, primarily serving as a left fielder and pinch-hitter. His last major league game was on July 7, 2001, against the Chicago Cubs. The Mets designated him for assignment on July 11, 2001; he cleared waivers, elected free agency, and signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies on July 18, but was released on July 25 without returning to the majors, effectively retiring thereafter. Over his 13-year career spanning 1,252 games with five teams, Hamilton compiled a .291 , 51 home runs, and 454 RBIs, establishing himself as a reliable utility outfielder valued for his high and defensive versatility in center field.

Post-retirement career

MLB Commissioner's Office role

Following his retirement from playing in 2001, Darryl Hamilton joined the Commissioner's Office in late as a senior specialist in the On-Field Operations department. In this role, he contributed to maintaining the integrity and quality of on-field activities across MLB games. Hamilton's primary responsibilities included reviewing video footage of contentious incidents, such as brawls or disputes involving players, coaches, managers, and umpires, to recommend fines and suspensions for violations of league rules. He also oversaw rule interpretations related to game conduct and addressed logistical aspects of game presentation, notably by regulating stadium signage and advertisements to minimize visual distractions that could affect player performance or umpire visibility. For instance, in , Hamilton led an initiative to enforce stricter standards on sign colors and brightness—rejecting those exceeding 15% white or using light yellows—while proposing that boards be dimmed during live play; this effort improved on-field clarity despite resistance from clubs and sponsors. During his tenure, which lasted until March 2011, Hamilton's work supported broader MLB efforts to enhance game-day operations and fairness, drawing on his 13 years of playing experience to provide practical insights into rule enforcement. His departure came as part of a front-office restructuring that installed as executive vice president of baseball operations, during which Hamilton and two other executives were dismissed. Hamilton's operational expertise later informed his broadcasting career, allowing him to maintain connections within MLB's structure through roles at .

Broadcasting roles

Following his playing career, Hamilton transitioned into broadcasting, beginning with a role at MLB Advanced Media from 2003 to 2006, where he served as an analyst contributing to the league's digital content and coverage. He later contributed to NBC Sports Network's SportsTalk program, providing expert analysis on baseball topics. In Houston, where he resided, Hamilton worked as a contributor at KPRC-TV and lent his voice to local radio stations KFNC and KGOW for sports coverage and commentary. In 2012, Hamilton expanded his radio experience as a color analyst for the broadcasts via , offering play-by-play insights during games. The following year, in 2013, he joined as an on-air analyst, regularly appearing on studio programs like MLB Tonight to discuss game strategies, player performances, and league news. His tenure there highlighted his smooth integration into national television, debuting with game calls at events such as the Urban Invitational. In 2014, Hamilton returned to his roots with the Milwaukee Brewers as a part-time radio analyst, filling in for broadcasts and partnering with personalities like to deliver engaging color commentary. Throughout his media career, Hamilton was recognized for his insightful, player-friendly style that emphasized experience and humor, fostering strong on-air chemistry with co-hosts while drawing on his MLB Commissioner's Office background for added perspective.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Darryl Hamilton's first marriage was to television anchor Shaun Robinson on November 6, 1993; the couple divorced on December 8, 1994, with no public details disclosed regarding the reasons for the split. During their brief union, which overlapped with Hamilton's early career in Major League Baseball, the relationship received limited media attention, primarily due to Robinson's prominence in entertainment journalism. Hamilton married fashion model Ursaline Steinke on January 29, 2000, in a garden ceremony at the Arizona Biltmore resort; they divorced on December 30, 2010, after a decade together that included raising two sons. The couple first met through mutual friends at social events in , prior to their engagement, and Steinke relocated from to join Hamilton, supporting his post-retirement life in . Their marriage was occasionally noted in lifestyle media for blending Hamilton's sports background with Steinke's modeling career, though Hamilton maintained a low public profile on personal matters during his broadcasting years. Following his second , Hamilton entered a long-term relationship with Monica Jordan around 2013, and the couple lived together in the area, where they welcomed a in 2014. By early 2015, the relationship had ended, leading to custody negotiations over their child, but Hamilton described their interactions as amicable in court proceedings, with no prior history of violence reported.

Children and family

Darryl Hamilton was a devoted to three sons. From his second marriage to model Ursaline Steinke, which took place in 2000, he had Donovan Quinn Hamilton, born on May 6, 2001, in , and Julian Patrick Hamilton, born in 2003. His third son, Jaxon Cameron Hamilton, was born in 2014 to partner Monica Jordan. The family resided in , a suburb of , where Hamilton balanced his career with active involvement in his children's lives. He particularly enjoyed participating in sports activities with his older sons, and Julian, fostering their interest in . Hamilton's commitment to fatherhood was widely noted by those who knew him; attorney , who represented him in legal matters, described him as "one of the best fathers I've ever met," emphasizing his devotion to all three children and enthusiasm for his youngest.

Death and legacy

Murder-suicide incident

On June 21, 2015——Darryl Hamilton was fatally shot multiple times at the apartment of his former girlfriend, Monica , located at 11506 Island Breeze Street in . The bodies of Hamilton, aged 50, and Jordan, aged 44, were discovered by police shortly before 5 p.m. following a 911 call placed by Jordan's ex-husband, Rohaven Richards, after she contacted him in distress earlier that afternoon. Hamilton was found near the door with several wounds, while Jordan had a to the head; a was recovered at the scene. Their 14-month-old son, Jaxon, was present in the apartment during the incident but emerged physically unharmed and was immediately taken into the custody of . Hamilton and Jordan had ended their relationship in February 2015 but shared of the child, with a formal agreement finalized just two days earlier on June 19. Jordan, an attorney, had a prior criminal history involving domestic issues; in January 2008, she pleaded guilty to felony after intentionally setting fire to the Brazoria County home she shared with Richards in 2006, reportedly amid suspicions of . For the conviction, she was sentenced to 10 years of —later terminated early—along with approximately $80,000 in restitution and 30 days in jail. No prior incidents of violence between Jordan and Hamilton were reported to authorities, though a 2012 police call to the residence involved a reported iPad theft. Pearland police investigated the scene and, based on ballistic , the positioning of the bodies, and details from the 911 call, officially ruled the deaths a murder-suicide, with identified as the perpetrator who shot Hamilton before turning the weapon on herself. The investigation concluded without of external involvement.

Tributes and aftermath

Following Darryl Hamilton's death, a public viewing was held on , 2015, at Crowder in , , followed by a memorial service at Second Baptist Church, where hundreds of mourners gathered to honor his life. The service featured eulogies from family and friends, including Hamilton's brother John, who spoke of his sibling's character as a devoted brother and friend, and former MLB manager , who reminisced about Hamilton's clubhouse presence and nicknamed him from "Ham" to "Bone" over his career. Local Little League players and opponents attended wearing jerseys emblazoned with "D-Ham" in tribute to his love of . A private burial service took place the following day in , at his childhood church, Greater Greene Chapel A.M.E. Major League Baseball and several teams observed moments of silence in Hamilton's memory during games shortly after his passing. The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, two of his former clubs, held a joint moment of silence before their June 23, 2015, matchup at Miller Park. The Brewers also honored him separately that evening, with broadcaster Joe Block delivering an on-air tribute highlighting Hamilton's contributions to the organization. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement expressing shock and sorrow on behalf of the league, extending sympathies to Hamilton's family and friends throughout baseball. The broadcasting community, particularly at MLB Network where Hamilton had worked as an analyst since 2013, responded with immediate and ongoing tributes. The network aired an emotional video montage on June 23, 2015, celebrating his life and career highlights. Colleagues like and Rob McGarry shared personal reflections on his professionalism and warmth. In 2016, marking the one-year anniversary, MLB Network produced a special remembrance segment and established the Darryl Hamilton Memorial Fund to provide ongoing support for his three sons. Posthumously, Hamilton's influence endured through permanent memorials at MLB Network's Studio 42, which incorporated a bowtie insignia—symbolizing his signature style—and his initials on the center field wall as a lasting nod to his legacy. Nicholls State University, his , issued a statement of deep sadness upon his passing, recognizing his status as a hall of famer and alumnus who embodied the institution's spirit. His career paved the way for greater diversity in , as one of the few African American analysts providing insightful commentary and serving as a for aspiring voices in the field.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hamilda02.shtml
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/darryl-hamilton-115378
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Darryl_Hamilton
  4. https://www.espn.com/mlb/profiles/notes/4206.html
  5. https://www.mlb.com/news/darryl-hamilton-joins-mlb-network-as-on-air-analyst/c-41783126
  6. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/13130327/former-major-leaguer-darryl-hamilton-killed-murder-suicide-police-say
  7. https://www.mlb.com/news/major-league-baseball-mourns-the-passing-of-darryl-hamilton/c-132236962
  8. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/darryl-hamilton-6496255
  9. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/baseballs-darryl-hamilton-dead-apparent-murder-suicide-remembered/story?id=31958448
  10. https://www.9news.com/article/sports/mlb/colorado-rockies/mlb-obituary-for-former-rockies-player-darryl-hamilton/73-130796047
  11. https://lasportshall.com/?inductees=darryl-hamilton
  12. https://geauxcolonels.com/news/2015/6/22/BASE_0622150240
  13. https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2008/06/21/former-nicholls-baseball-player-inducted-into-la-sports-hall-of-fame/26774238007/
  14. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/11740-darryl-hamilton/
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hamilt001dar
  16. https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/august-28-1992-strange-brew/
  17. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/12/14/Rangers-sign-Hamilton-to-1-year-deal/9815818917200/
  18. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hamilda02
  19. https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/former-rangers-outfielder-killed-in-apparent-murder-suicide-police/2002186/
  20. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/1996.shtml
  21. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1996_ALDS2.shtml
  22. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=hamilda02
  23. https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/03/31/san-francisco-giants
  24. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Giants-Sign-a-Leadoff-Man-in-Hamilton-2859140.php
  25. https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/Hamilton-recovering-quickly-3123413.php
  26. https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/june-12-1997-giants-beat-rangers-in-mlbs-first-regular-season-interleague-game/
  27. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1997_NLDS1.shtml
  28. https://www.sfgate.com/giants/shea/article/A-tribute-to-Darryl-Hamilton-he-made-6344738.php
  29. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Hamilton-returns-to-gut-Giants-3070283.php
  30. https://www.mlb.com/rockies/history/timeline
  31. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/COL/1998.shtml
  32. https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/23/sports/baseball-1998-free-agent-tracker-rockies-agree-to-3-year-deal-with-hamilton.html
  33. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/COL/1999.shtml
  34. https://www.ultimatemets.com/profile.php?PlayerCode=0622
  35. http://www.centerfieldmaz.com/2019/12/darryl-hamilton-2000-nl-champion-mets.html
  36. https://www.nydailynews.com/2001/04/28/another-hit-to-mets-outfield-neck-injury-puts-hamilton-on-dl/
  37. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-01-sp-17403-story.html
  38. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/sports/baseball/07hamilton.html
  39. https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story/_/id/6189954
  40. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2015/06/darryl-hamilton-mlb-network-passes-away/
  41. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Two-people-found-dead-in-Pearland-home-6340824.php
  42. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/13137639/ex-mlb-player-darryl-hamilton-remembered-game-new-york-mets-milwaukee-brewers
  43. https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/rob-manfred-issues-a-statement-on-the-death-of-darryl-hamilton
  44. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/darryl-hamilton-and-shaun-robinson
  45. https://mabumbe.com/people/shaun-robinson-age-net-worth-relationships-biography/
  46. https://www.nickiswift.com/659698/what-you-dont-know-about-shaun-robinson/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1178567/bio/
  48. https://houston.culturemap.com/news/society/02-08-10-A-home-run-Center-fielder-scored-big-with-high-style-model/
  49. https://hollywoodlife.com/celeb/darryl-hamilton/
  50. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Attorney-Former-MLB-player-girlfriend-had-6344868.php
  51. https://www.mlb.com/news/more-details-arise-in-darryl-hamilton-shooting/c-132629722
  52. https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/06/24/darryl-hamilton-reached-custody-deal-with-ex-two-days-before-murder-suicide/
  53. https://geauxcolonels.com/sports/baseball/roster/donovan-hamilton/5038
  54. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/bob-nightengale/2016/06/21/former-mlb-player-darryl-hamiltons-death-still-resonates-one-year-later/86165246/
  55. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/06/21/darryl-hamilton-john-hamilton-remembrance/86188546/
  56. https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/houston-attorney-darryl-hamilton-was-devoted-to-his-kids/285-148525061
  57. https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/06/24/darryl-hamiltons-ex-wife-ursaline-sons-left-with-heartbreak/
  58. https://www.click2houston.com/news/2015/06/24/new-details-in-murder-suicide-involving-ex-mlb-player-darryl-hamilton/
  59. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-mlb-player-darryl-hamilton-killed-in-apparent-murder-suicide/
  60. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/06/22/darryl-hamilton-killed-mlb-murder-suicide/29113385/
  61. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Pearland-woman-accused-of-killing-MLB-player-6342947.php
  62. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/police-mlb-player-hamilton-killed-murder-suicide/story?id=31946217
  63. https://www.mlb.com/news/the-late-darryl-hamilton-to-be-honored-monday/c-133532190
  64. https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/06/29/darryl-hamilton-mourned-by-family-friends-at-monday-service-after-former-met-killed-on-fathers-day/
  65. https://www.mlb.com/news/brewers-hold-moment-of-silence-for-darryl-hamilton/c-132466558
  66. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/darryl-hamilton-dead-mlb-network/
  67. https://www.facebook.com/MLBNetwork/videos/one-year-later-we-remember-our-friend-and-colleague-darryl-hamilton/10153509371616695/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.