Run, Billy, Run

The 2012 California-Carolina League All-Star Game was two weeks ago, but the memory of that night will last a long time. Many of those young men who suited up at BB&T Ballpark will be in the big leagues in the future, including the base stealing king of minor league baseball.

Billy Hamilton, a highly-touted prospect in the Reds’ farm system, will one day wreak havoc on the base paths in the bigs. For now, he is busy terrorizing California League hurlers with the Bakersfield Blaze. Last night, Hamilton stole his 100th base, and he is on pace to break the minor league record for most stolen bases in one season.

On top of all that, Hamilton couldn’t be a nicer guy. It was a pleasure to chat with him multiple times during the All-Star festivities in Winston-Salem, and he did steal two bases during the Midsummer Classic.

Here is my chat with Hamilton from two weeks ago (when he had a mere 80 swipes).

(Photo courtesy of Cincinnati.com)

- Brian