Chicago White Sox outfielder Billy Hamilton did not play a game in August due to an injury. But the speedster is back healthy and is ready to be a key player off the bench for one of the top teams in the league.
Hamilton is known around the league for his legs (he holds the record for stolen bases in a minor league season at 155!) and he is an elite defender.
In his first year with the White Sox, Hamilton has added depth to a talented outfield. His ability to track down balls puts the White Sox in positions to win games.
Our MLBbro returned to action on September 4 after not playing since July 30.
Hamilton struck out in his lone at bat against the Kansas City Royals. Now that Hamilton is back on the roster, he’ll see a more reserved role coming off the bench.
He can provide energy the team needs and he can make game changing plays.
On the season he has a .224 batting average with 19 runs scored, 11 RBI, and eight stolen bases.
There’s a good chance that Hamilton will see a lot more action during September as the White Sox are in a comfortable position to win the division.
Now when the playoffs come, Hamilton will need to stay ready for when his number is called.
Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he will have an opportunity to show how much of an impact he has on the team.
Hamilton is the type of player who makes an impact even when he’s not playing.
When he was hurt, he was a big presence in the dugout.
“He’s part of why there’s a really good vibe on this club,” White Sox manager Tony La Russa told NBC Sports Chicago when Hamilton was injured. “You see it in the dugout. But he’s in the clubhouse, wherever he is, he’s surrounded by people that have fun with him.”
Hamilton is a likeable guy and he’s someone who brings that positive energy the team needs.
“These guys have a lot of confidence, these guys want to perform every single day. All I hear them talking about is winning and being confident, so I kind of fit in right away with those guys,” Hamilton said back in May.
“We feel every day is like a championship game, our last game. We want to come in and win every single game, and that’s what I love about this team,” he said. “And the confidence walking around the clubhouse, how we carry ourselves over here, everybody’s walking around with so much passion and so much confidence. It’s just fun to be a part of.”
There’s no question that the White Sox are one of the most talented teams in the league and Hamilton understands his role on the team.
Don’t sleep on our MLBbro, Hamilton is still a threat out there on that field.