Twitter Tuesday: Reds Fans React to Billy Hamilton’s Start

When we last checked in on Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty announced that the shortstop-turned-outfielder would be taking his talents to Louisville this season. Coming on the heels of his non-roster Spring Training invitation, it was evident that in spite of a monstrous 2012 campaign, all eyes would be on the 22-year-old in 2013.

In two games with the Reds, Hamilton is 1-for-6 with no stolen bases. (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

After a record-breaking season in which Hamilton claimed two stolen base titles en route to his decisive California League MVP victory, the Reds’ 2009 second-round pick became a household name across the baseball world. Fast forward to Saturday, when Hamilton plays his first spring game with major leaguers. I caught up with the fan reaction on Twitter, and the exit polling looks pretty good.

News breaks: Taking over for Shin-Soo Choo in center field, fans in Goodyear and beyond are quick to react.

#reds trail 4-3 after 3 innings. Billy Hamilton is entering the game in CF for the top of the 4th.
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) February 23, 2013

Billy Hamilton notification.
— Red Reporter (@redreporter) February 23, 2013

@redlegnation about to witness Billy Hamilton hit in person. If I can see him. pic.twitter.com/ESnLX6P6o1
— Luke Truue Shomo (@LukeShoMeMo) February 23, 2013

At the plate: Finishing with a 1-for-4 clip at the plate, few fans were disappointed by Hamilton’s first outing against major-league pitching.

First time seeing @B_ham_3 at bat! <#JoeyVotto> pic.twitter.com/RF9nuOmx2p
— ??????? (@kiasuchick) February 23, 2013

Billy Hamilton tries to reach on a drag bunt, but is retired in his first at-bat of the spring. Neftali Soto singles but is left stranded.
— Louisville Bats (@LouisvilleBats) February 23, 2013

Clearly Billy Hamilton is not ready for the majors #sarcasm #JoeyVotto
— Matt Steinmann (@TheSteinMann) February 23, 2013

On the run: In the seventh inning, Hamilton finally showed off his wheels. After recording his first hit (a two-out single), he advanced to third base on an Emmanuel Burriss single to center field. Several fans felt that he had enough in the system to reach home on the play, but you be the judge.

Gooo @b_ham_3!!! (#joeyvotto) pic.twitter.com/1Y6difrMxn
— ??????? (@kiasuchick) February 23, 2013

Berry almost cost the #reds a run holding @b_ham_3 . Got to learn the players you are coaching & Billy is faster than a speeding bullet.
— John Heitz (@JohnHeitz) February 23, 2013

Why did the 3rd base coach stop @b_ham_3???? Dude was in stride!!!! #SKSpeedKills #teambham
— Israel Tavor (@israeltavor) February 23, 2013

@jonmorosi Mark Berry got booed for not sending Billy Hamilton home on a single to center while he was stealing 2nd base.
— Ron Williamson (@RockHunter45) February 23, 2013

#Reds coaching still showing they dont know what to do with @b_ham_3 on the base pads. He should be able to make his own calls
— Kris meese (@KMeeseK) February 24, 2013

Sunday start: With an 0-for-2 performance the next day, Hamilton’s first start drew great support from fans from all corners of the country.

Billy Hamilton is starting in center field for the @Reds today and I'm gonna miss it... #redsfansproblems #JoeyVotto
— Andrew L Hale (@realAndrewHale) February 24, 2013

@DaRedsPOW @BeastofNE Batting first for your Cincinnati Reds, Billy Hamilton. pic.twitter.com/jVjZkQJMzO
— Jason Fields (@Brother_Eli_86) February 24, 2013

#reds prospect @b_ham_3 taking his swings against #indians pitcher @ZMac34 pic.twitter.com/WjJo3Iq3B0
— Goodyear Ballpark (@GoodyearBP) February 24, 2013

So now what? Over two games, Hamilton is 1-for-6 with no stolen bases, but there’s no need to hang your head. If anything, we’ve seen that while he lacks presence at the plate against more intimidating pitchers, he can hold his own in the field. I’ll leave you with Jesse’s optimistic tweet which summarizes the attitude of thousands of Reds fans:

Just think, in a year or two were going to have #JoeyVotto, Todd Frazier, Billy Hamilton, Zach Cozart and Jay Bruce playing everyday #pumped
— Jesse Ada❌s (@jessexadams) February 25, 2013

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