Ken Hill (baseball) facts for kids

Kenneth Wade Hill, born on December 14, 1965, is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher. He played for seven different teams over 14 years, from 1988 to 2001. In 1994, while playing for the Montreal Expos, he was chosen for the All-Star Game. That same year, he led the National League in wins. Ken also pitched in the 1995 World Series with the Cleveland Indians.

Ken Hill's Early Life

Ken Hill went to Lynn Classical High School, graduating in 1983. He then studied at North Adams State College.

Ken Hill's Baseball Career

Starting in Minor League Baseball

Ken Hill began his professional baseball journey when he signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1985. He started playing for their minor league team, the Gastonia Jets. In his first year, he had a record of 3 wins and 6 losses.

The next year, in 1986, Ken continued to play well for Gastonia. He won 9 games and lost 5. Later that year, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He finished the season playing for their minor league team, the Arkansas Travelers.

In 1987, Ken split his time between the Arkansas Travelers and the St. Petersburg Cardinals. He continued to gain experience playing in the minor leagues.

Making it to the Major Leagues

In 1988, Ken played most of the season for the Arkansas Travelers. However, he got his big break and made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 3. He pitched in a few games that year.

In 1989, Ken was called up to the Cardinals again. He had a tough season, finishing with 7 wins and 15 losses, but he showed promise. After a difficult 1990 season, he improved in 1991, winning 11 games.

Finding Success with the Montreal Expos

In November 1991, Ken was traded to the Montreal Expos. This is where he really started to shine.

Hill donned a White Sox jersey in only two outings before being released by the team in 2000.

Ken had two amazing seasons with the Expos. In 1992, he won 16 games. In 1994, he won 16 games again, but this season was even more special. He was chosen to play in the All-Star Game. The 1994 season ended early due to a player strike, but Ken was on track for an incredible 23-win season. He also finished second in the voting for the Cy Young Award, which is given to the best pitcher in each league.

Moving to Other Teams

After his great time with the Expos, Ken returned to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1995. However, he didn't pitch as well as before. He was then traded to the Cleveland Indians. He did very well for the Indians, helping them reach the 1995 World Series.

After the 1995 season, Ken became a free agent and signed with the Texas Rangers. In 1996, he won 16 games, helping the Rangers make it to the postseason for the first time ever.

In 1997, an injury affected Ken's career. He was later traded to the Anaheim Angels. He played for the Angels for a few years, but his performance wasn't as strong. He was eventually released in 2000 and briefly played for the Chicago White Sox.

Final Years in Baseball

In 2001, Ken joined the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He played in five games for them before being released. He then signed with the Cincinnati Reds and later the Boston Red Sox organizations, but he didn't play in the major leagues again after 2001.

Ken Hill's Personal Life

Today, Ken Hill lives in Keller, Texas. His son, Kenny Hill, was a quarterback for Texas Christian University. His youngest son, Marcus, plays baseball for Eastern Kentucky University.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders
• List of Texas Rangers Opening Day starting pitchers