Billy Hamilton showed on Sunday why the Reds stick with him

Billy Hamilton’s performance on Sunday illustrated why the Reds stick with him despite his offensive struggles.

Billy Hamilton has never lived up to the hype since coming to the big leagues. His athleticism and speed have never been in question. The biggest question mark surrounding Hamilton since his debut in 2013 was his ability to get on base. Hamilton showed on Sunday, that while he is often offensively challenged, when he does get on base, he’s a difference maker.

Hamilton was 1-for-3 versus the St. Louis Cardinals during the series finale. Hamilton reached base safely on two occasions during Sunday afternoon’s game against the Redbirds.

In the third inning, he rumbled around the bases for a triple after lining a shot to center field. He also drew a two-out walk while facing a full count in the fourth. He scored both times he was on base.

Hamilton’s ability to steal a bag when aboard the base paths is well documented. However, he has to be on the base paths in order to use that speed. That’s been the titanic struggle for Hamilton throughout his career.

For his career, Hamilton’s OBP is .297. This season’s OBP (.283) is his worst since 2015 when he reached base only 27% of the time.

Billy Hamilton’s defensive ability has never been questioned, and he showcased those talents once again on Sunday against St. Louis.

Hamilton gunned down Jose Martinez at second base in the first inning. Martinez was initially called safe, but review of the tag overturned the call on the field.

Hamilton nearly made a diving catch in the top of fourth, but the ball caromed off the tip of his glove. Undeterred, Hamilton tracked the ball down and fired a rope to home plate in time to throw out Carlos Martinez.

Billy Hamilton also made two terrific leaping grabs against the center field wall. He robbed Greg Garcia of a hit in the top of the eighth and took away an extra-base hit from Matt Carpenter in the ninth inning.

Hamilton is a very polarizing player among Reds fans, but Sunday’s performance showed Reds Nation what he’s capable of. The Reds faithful will be hoping for more of the same as the season continues.