Cincinnati Reds’ center fielder Billy Hamilton has successfully built his career around his speed

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Billy Hamilton to be a shortstop, but, like Eric Davis and Reggie Sanders before him, Hamilton ended up in center field.

The Cincinnati Reds are one of several teams that overdraft the shortstop position knowing that the athleticism will often translate better to other positions.  Hamilton was originally a shortstop, but, like former top Reds’ outfielders Reggie Sanders and Eric Davis, he was quickly move to the outfield.  Davis and Sanders are two of the best defensive outfielders in the history of the franchise.  Hamilton is the best ever.

Hamilton played his first four professional season at shortstop before the Reds moved him.  During this time, Hamilton set the minor league record for steals in a single season at 155.  It was the following season that Hamilton switched to be a full-time center fielder.

Even a casual fan can see Hamilton’s speed in center field.  Hamilton’s range factor is among the best in the National League.  Trailing Ender Inciarte and Juan Lagares in range factor has been the justification for why Hamilton has been overlooked for the Gold Glove to date.  That the one and last reason for Hamilton not winning the Gold Glove award is something as esoteric as range factor just shows how much some people don’t want to see Hamilton win the award.

Aside from steals and defense, Billy Hamilton’s speed for the Cincinnati Reds has been impressive time and again.

More from Reds News

• Reds: 3 players who may lose their roster spot when Jesse Winker returns
• Reds vs. Pirates: Pitching preview, prediction, and more
• Reds appropriately designate reliever Brad Brach for assignment
• Reds: 3 reasons why Jonathan India will win NL Rookie of the Year
• Reds: Despite six straight series defeats, Cincinnati is still contending

Hamilton regularly gets up to over 20 mph when he is stealing a base.  He is the fastest MLB player just ahead of Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon.  Since everyone recognizes him as he fastest man in MLB, he could end up racing the newest Cincinnati Bengal and NFL fastest man, John Ross.

20 mph is impressive.  Aside from steals, it has allowed Hamilton to collect 4 triples.  That ties him for the team lead with Zack Cozart.  Only Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies has more triples in all of MLB than the Reds’ duo.

The defense also plays differently when Hamilton is batting.  The shortstop and third baseman have to play shallow just to let their throws beat Hamilton to first.

He needs to learn to bunt effectively.  Then his speed would be even more dangerous.

Next: The Reds have several deserving All-Stars

Hamilton deserves the credit for this.  He got off to a fast start this season and hasn’t looked back.  As a second round pick, Hamilton turned himself into an elite center fielder.

He completed this on natural ability alone.  Now he is approaching All-Star status thanks to hard work.  His pure speed is just a gift he is using.