Cincinnati Reds watch Billy Hamilton’s season end early…again!

Billy Hamilton’s season for the Cincinnati Reds ended early due to injury once again, but not without some positive results.  

Billy Hamilton hasn’t lasted a full season since his rookie year for the Cincinnati Reds.  Both on and off of the field, Hamilton’s feet have had a positive impact for Cincinnati.  It’s just a shame that it ended early.

When the Reds went to Pittsburgh for the last time this season, Hamilton did something remarkable.  He wore autographed cleats.  That may not sound remarkable, save for what they really were.

Hamilton wore white cleats with the signatures of 25 patients with childhood cancer at Cincinnati’s Children Hospital.  Aside from their sparking white color, nothing else aside from the signature was remarkable.  Fans couldn’t help but notice that Hamilton wore special cleats that night.

Those cleats were special, but they also had a special message.  Or rather special messages, because aside from the signatures were hearts and messages from the patients.  Hamilton’s cleats had gold stripes on them to make sure that everyone in PNC Ballpark and watching from home could see them.

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Both Hamilton and the Reds tweeted about the cleats, as well.  Some minor league teams have hosted nights in support of curing childhood cancer, but MLB has joined the fight in 2017.  Josh Harrison, who is from Cincinnati, also wore special cleats that night.

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Unfortunately, five days later Billy Hamilton’s season came to an end for the Cincinnati Reds.

Batting lead-off against Matt Garza of the Milwaukee Brewers, Hamilton attempted a bunt.  His hand got hit with the pitch.  He continued the at-bat and played some defense, but the Reds pinch hit for him the next time he was due up.

An MRI confirmed a fractured thumb and the Reds placed Hamilton on the DL.  His thumb will remain in a splint for ten days.  

The Reds claim it will not end his season, but their will be less than 15 games left when he is eligible to return.

Each of Hamilton’s last two seasons have ended prematurely because of September injuries.  It will be three in a row, if he doesn’t return this season.  Hamilton may be a bit unlucky or he may be unable to carry a full MLB load.

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That may be the end of Hamilton’s career with the Reds.  He hasn’t done anything wrong, but the Reds fielded offers for him last season.  The Reds may move him given Hamilton’s injury history regardless of his positive impact on the field and in the clubhouse and the community.