WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- With a booming, raspy voice, infectious laugh and enough stories to fill a dozen memoirs, Jamie Hildreth was one of the most beloved figures within the Houston Astros' organization.
Hildreth's unexpected passing while in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Friday at the age of 72 leaves the Astros with a void that will be difficult to fill. As their longest tenured employee, one who had indelible relationships with the club's top partners and who made business meetings feel more like gatherings among lifelong friends, replacing Hildreth seems nearly impossible.
"He was everybody's friend," recently retired Astros broadcaster Bill Brown said.