Herman Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herman Hill |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Centerfielder/Pinch runner | |||
| Born: October 12, 1945 Tuskegee, Alabama |
|||
| Died: December 14, 1970 (aged 25) Puerto Cabello, Venezuela |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| September 2, 1969, for the Minnesota Twins | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 1, 1970, for the Minnesota Twins | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .083 | ||
| Runs scored | 12 | ||
| Hits | 2 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
Herman Alexander Hill (October 12, 1945 – December 14, 1970) was an American professional baseball player. He was an outfielder who played in 43 Major League games for the Minnesota Twins in 1969 and 1970. Herman Hill passed away in a swimming accident in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela during the 1970 winter baseball season.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Herman Hill was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on October 12, 1945. He was one of 15 children in his family. Herman grew up in Farmingdale, New Jersey. He went to Southern Freehold High School, which is now called Howell High School.
Becoming a Professional Player
Herman was a right-handed thrower but batted left-handed. He was tall, standing 6 feet 2 inches, and weighed 190 pounds. A baseball scout named Jack McKeon discovered Herman's talent. McKeon later became a well-known manager in Major League Baseball.
In 1966, Herman signed with the Minnesota Twins. He began his journey through their minor league teams. This is where young players develop their skills before reaching the major leagues.
A Promising Young Talent
In March 1969, a baseball magazine called Baseball Digest wrote about Herman. They described him as a "Good prospect." They also noted his "hustle, desire, determination." He was known for being a very fast baserunner and for hitting the ball with power.
Major League Baseball Career
In 1969, Herman played for the Denver Bears. This was a Triple-A team, just one step below the Major Leagues. He had a great season, hitting for a .300 batting average. He also stole 31 bases, showing off his speed.
Making His Big League Debut
Because of his strong performance, the Minnesota Twins called Herman up to the Major Leagues in September 1969. In his first 11 games, he was mostly used as a Pinch runner. This means he would enter the game to run the bases for another player. His speed was a big advantage.
Later, Twins manager Billy Martin also used him as a Pinch hitter and a backup Center fielder. During this time, he scored four runs for the team.
Playing in the 1970 Season
In 1970, Herman split his time between the Triple-A Evansville Triplets and the Minnesota Twins. He played in 27 Major League games during June, July, and September.
On June 29, 1970, at Metropolitan Stadium, Herman started as the center fielder. This was a special day for him. He got his first two Major League hits! Both were singles off Dick Drago of the Kansas City Royals. Herman also scored two runs in that game, helping the Twins win 5–4.
Later Games and Statistics
Herman started again the next day, but he didn't get any hits. For the rest of his Major League career, he was mainly used as a pinch runner, pinch hitter, or a defensive replacement late in games.
During his time with the Minnesota Twins, Herman batted 24 times. He had two hits (both on June 29, 1970). He didn't have any runs batted in, but he did steal one base. He scored a total of 12 runs for the team.
Tragic End
In October 1970, Herman Hill was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. After the trade, he went to play winter baseball in Venezuela. Sadly, while swimming near Puerto Cabello, Herman passed away in a swimming accident at the age of 25.
