Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Billy Hamilton Sets Stolen Base Record

ESPN:
Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer Billy Hamilton bolted to his record 146th stolen base of the season and kept running Tuesday night, swiping four in the first game of a Double-A doubleheader.
Hamilton added his 147th steal in the final inning of Pensacola's 4-2 loss to Montgomery. Hamilton stole 104 in the first half of the season with Class A Bakersfield, then was promoted to the Southern League.
Hamilton broke the record for steals by minor league teams affiliated with big league organizations set by Vince Coleman in 1983 with 145 for Macon in the Class A South Atlantic League.
The modern major league record was set by Rickey Henderson with 130 in 1982.
Hamilton single-handedly has more steals than any major league team; the Miami Marlins lead the majors with 121 steals this season.
Hamilton stole second base in the first inning, then swiped second and third in the third inning to eclipse Coleman's mark. Hamilton made a headfirst slide for the record-breaker and Pensacola manager Jim Riggleman, who was coaching third base, gave him a hearty handshake as the crowd rewarded the speedster with a standing ovation.
147 steals in a season?  That is incredible.  As the story says, he has more steals than any team in the major leagues this season.  I'm looking forward to seeing him with the big club.

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