Bill Hall (utility player) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bill Hall |
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Hall with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012
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| Infielder / Outfielder | |||
| Born: December 28, 1979 Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 1, 2002, for the Milwaukee Brewers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| June 1, 2012, for the Baltimore Orioles | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .248 | ||
| Home runs | 125 | ||
| Runs batted in | 440 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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William Leonard Hall (born December 28, 1979) is an American former professional baseball player. He was known as a "utility player" because he could play many different positions on the field. Bill Hall played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams from 2002 to 2012. These teams included the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, and Baltimore Orioles.
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Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Bill Hall grew up in Nettleton, Mississippi. He went to Nettleton High School. From a young age, he dreamed of playing baseball in the big leagues.
Playing in the Major Leagues
Milwaukee Brewers: A Strong Start
Bill Hall began his MLB career with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2005, he helped the Brewers have a winning season. He played at third base, shortstop, and second base. That year, he hit for a .291 average with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs.
In 2006, Bill Hall became the Brewers' starting shortstop. This happened after his teammate J. J. Hardy got injured.
The Pink Bat Home Run
On Mother's Day in 2006, Bill Hall hit a special home run. The Brewers were playing the New York Mets. In the 10th inning, Hall hit a walk-off home run, winning the game! He used a special pink bat for Mother's Day. His mother, Vergie Hall, was there watching. After the game, he dedicated the home run to her.
Later, the pink bat was sold at an auction. The money went to help breast cancer research. The Brewers' owner, Mark Attanasio, bought the bat. He then gave it to Bill Hall's mother. The bat sold for over $25,000, which was a lot of money for an auction item!
Leading the Team
In 2006, Bill Hall was a top player for the Brewers. He led the team in many ways. He had a .553 slugging percentage, 85 RBIs, and 35 home runs. He also led the team in runs scored, doubles, triples, and walks. Because of his great play, the Brewers named him their most valuable player. In 2007, he signed a big contract with the team.
Hall started the 2007 season playing in center field. He showed his versatility by playing different positions.
Challenges and Changes
In 2008, Bill Hall became the Brewers' starting third baseman. He faced some challenges that season. He sometimes struggled to get hits against certain pitchers. He also expressed that he wanted to play one position consistently. This was because the team kept changing his field position.
Brewers fans at Miller Park sometimes booed him. Hall later said this affected his confidence. However, he worked hard and started hitting much better. He thanked his teammates for their support.
Later in 2009, Bill Hall was sent to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds for a short time. He worked on his hitting there. He was soon called back up to the Brewers. On August 12, 2009, his time with the Brewers ended.
Seattle Mariners: A New Team
On August 19, 2009, Bill Hall was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He quickly got his first hit and RBI with his new team.
Boston Red Sox: The "Super-Utility" Player
In 2010, Bill Hall joined the Boston Red Sox. He was excited to return to his "utility role." This meant he could play almost any position on the field. The Red Sox had many injured players that year. This meant Hall played all but two positions! He truly was a "super-utility" player.
On May 28, 2010, something unusual happened. The Red Sox needed a pitcher, but they had none left. So, manager Terry Francona sent Bill Hall to the pitcher's mound! Hall did great, getting three batters out using his fastball. He finished his year in Boston with 18 home runs.
Other Teams and Retirement
After the Red Sox, Bill Hall played for the Houston Astros in 2011. He then joined the San Francisco Giants later that year. In 2012, he signed with the New York Yankees for spring training. He then played for the Baltimore Orioles, even hitting a home run in his first game with them.
In 2013, Hall signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He also played for the Long Island Ducks, a team in an independent league.
On September 5, 2019, Bill Hall officially retired from baseball. He signed a special one-day contract to retire as a Milwaukee Brewer. He said, "The Brewers gave me an opportunity to live those dreams. The organization and fans welcomed me like family."
Personal Life
Bill Hall has three daughters: Sydni Parker Hall, Maya Parker Hall, and Bella Parker Hall.
He also appeared in an episode of the TV show The Young and the Restless with some of his former teammates.
