Commentary
There Are No Words
By Rich Huber
March 13, 2006
The American Soccer community is much poorer today with the loss of Doug Hamilton to an apparent heart attack while on a plane back from the LA Galaxy’s Champions Cup game in Costa Rica. There are no words strong enough to explain the loss and begin to think about the recovery.
As an executive, Hamilton proved himself to be someone who could make the gutsy decision and then take the heat until it panned out. His decision to change coaches when sitting in first place said as much about his vision as it did for his soccer sense. Yes, Sigi Schmid had the Galaxy at the top of the Western Division, but Hamilton saw that his squad was not ready to win the championship without the change, so he made the move.
A few months later, he sent Carlos Ruiz packing to FC Dallas in a move that eventually resulted in Landon Donavan returning from a second stint in Galaxy colors. These two transactions ultimately brought the Galaxy last November’s MLS Cup and a third consecutive MLS Executive of the Year award for Hamilton.
As a person, he proved himself to be so much more. He understood how to treat people and that despite his success, everyone around him deserved to be treated equally. He was at ease in the boardroom, but maybe even more so sitting in a group at one soccer event or another visiting with all that would approach him. He loved the game and spent many hours searching out its highest levels, yet he always had time for the people around him and the fans that would search him out.
So now we are left with a void, and it is nothing compared to the loss felt by his wife and five-year-old child.
Aedan Hamilton Fund
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the "Aedan Hamilton Fund" which has been established by AEG and the Los Angeles Galaxy for the benefit of Hamilton's son. Donations and administration to the fund will be coordinated through The Home Depot Center Foundation.
Checks should be made payable and sent to:
The Home Depot Center Foundation
18400 Avalon Blvd.
Carson, CA 90746