The Reds tried everything to make Billy Hamilton, the premier leadoff hitter in the game. Hamilton did everything the Reds asked, learned to switch hit, move from shortstop to center field.
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One of the best defensive center fielders in baseball, Hamilton wasn't showing progress at the plate in spite of working with everyone in the organization, including Joe Morgan.
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At the end of the season, acting coach Jim Riggleman talked to Hamilton about things he needed to work on. Hamilton told everyone he was going to take a week or two off then come to Arizona to work on next season. He started to work at the Reds' complex in Goodyear. Less than two weeks later he signed with the Royals.
"I actually got a house out here so I could spend the off-season out here and get a lot of work in from the get-go instead of taking all these months without doing anything," said Hamilton after getting two hits and scoring a pair of runs against his former mates in Surprise on Friday. "I came out here to Arizona and worked out at the Reds' complex for awhile, then moved over here. This was my off-season to get a lot of work in. Not just the little bit that I think I need but more that I need to be doing. I took it to heart this off-season and end up being with this team. I'm moving forward, looking to where I can play every single day."
It was bitter sweet for Hamilton, who swore off the disappointment of being forced to change teams. by being non tendered. At first it felt like betrayal but Hamilton began to see opportunity.
"There is nothing you can really do about that. You can be mad, you can cuss people out, you can do all of that but what is it going to get you. They non tendered me. That's going to happen in baseball. I didn't want to be non tendered," Hamilton said. "When I got the news, I had to be a big boy about it and see what's next. Of course, I was mad on the inside but there was nothing I could really do about it. They made a decision. I had to make a decision. It is just baseball. There is nothing bad against the Castellini's, the Williams, the team. They were all great to me. They gave me chances to play and every thing.so I can't be mad about the situation. I have another chance to play this game, I love. I hope they do good over there. The front office are great people. I hope they have a successful year."
Awkward at first, the affable Hamilton made new friends in his new environment.
"It is different especially when you spent your whole career and all you know is red. Just coming to a different team. At first it was tough, I once said I would always be a Red. I did mean that but it's baseball things happen that you can't control. Those guys are still in my prayers every night. I still hope that everyone of them have a great season," Hamilton said.
He is over the rejection that he felt being encouraged to leave. Hamilton now embraces acceptance in a new environment.
"It is definitely nice to be on a team that's been wanting you, and you get to go play for that team and they welcome you like I've been here forever," Hamilton said. "Every player's treated me like I've been playing with them my whole career. That makes it easier for a player to come over to a different team. These guys are great guys. There are a bunch of young guys who work hard. They are on the high level of trying to win and being the best that they can be. I'm happy to be a part of this organization."
Kaufman Stadium offers Hamilton a chance to really use his skills to a better advantage than Great American Ball Park did.
"Some of the loopers I hit in Cincy, could probably fall in this big park. It could add a few hits to the total. I played a few times so I know what it feels like, but they said it's a little difference playing a whole season. It is something I'm looking forward to," Hamilton said.
It may have been the confines of GABP that kept Hamilton from winning a Gold Glove in center as a finalist five times. Now in sprawling Kaufman Stadium, Hamilton has a chance to sway critics, even as he dominated the highlights with spectacular plays on ESPN.
"I've always been the type that likes to run balls down. This is the type of place where I can see what type of outfielder, I really am," Hamilton said. "Not that I wasn't an outfielder in Cincinnati, but everybody always said it was small ballpark, that's why you made those plays. It is baseball. I can't control how they make the fields. I can't control how the ball flies everywhere. I'm looking forward to playing out there and running balls down for sure."
Hamilton had to leave Cincinnati and teammates against his will but still remains close to the people in the Reds organization.
"It is definitely nice to see those guys," Hamilton said. "Those guys are like my brothers man. Once you build a relationship with guys it never goes away. I could have been all the way in Florida. I still watch those guys. I still give them a call, talk to them. They're like my brothers. I have brothers here too but I have brothers over there too. Getting a chance to play those guys over there, I was happy for it. We had a split squad today, they could have easily put me in the night game against the Dodgers but he wanted me to get a chance to play here so I could see them. I get to see a few of them out in Scottsdale and hang out a little bit but today I get to see everybody. It is one of those things I get to see everybody, a lot of hugs and smiles from both sides. It's lovely."
And the fans?
"It was awesome to see people in jerseys with my name on them," Hamilton said. "It gave me chills, man. It means a lot. You hear some little kid, yell I'm still a fan of yours. It makes you feel good, especially from some little kid, who doesn't know about trades and stuff. It is like when your a kid, you have your favorite player and your dad has to explain about trades and stuff. Oh no Billy's on another team but he's still my favorite. It is awesome when people miss you. The ones I have I want to thank them.'
Phil Ervin took over uniform number six.
"A number is a number to me," Hamilton said. "You're not going to hear me complain about no numbers. You could have given it away the next day. I don't care. I'm happy he got it to be honest with you. He will always be my friend. I will always call him, not matter what team he's on. He could be on the other side of the country."
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