Hamilton Makes History at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium
Published on August 22, 2012 under Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release
After tying Vince Coleman's single-season record with a steal of second, Pensacola Blue Wahoos SS Billy Hamilton proceeded to run into the record books by taking third base for his 146th stolen base of the season, securing Hamilton's place in history. This is the highest mark in a single season in professional baseball history. The monumental occasion took place in the third inning of the first game of the club's double header on Tuesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. With two outs in the bottom of the third and one steal away from tying the top mark, the 21-year-old lined a single into right field to reach for the second time in the contest. Hamilton then took off for second and swiped the base just under a strong and accurate throw from Montgomery catcher Mark Thomas. Three pitches later, the Mississippi native ran on the 0-2 pitch and dove head-first into third base ahead of Thomas' throw to claim the record. Both the record tying and breaking bases that Hamilton stole were immediately taken off the field by Blue Wahoos personnel, in addition to Hamilton's helmet. Earlier in the game, he began Pensacola's first inning with a walk, before taking second on an error and notching his 144th steal by swiping third. He also added another theft in the eighth frame to extend his mark to 147.
The historic moment came in the speedster's 120th game of the season and his 38th contest with Pensacola. Before being promoted to Pensacola on July 11, Hamilton stole 104 bases in 82 games with High-A Bakersfield. Hamilton through his 38 games with the Blue Wahoos has tallied 42 thefts. The record falls 20 years to the day after Vince Coleman and Donnell Nixon broke Rickey Henderson's single-season stolen base record with their 131st stolen base of the 1983 season.
Despite the milestone, the Wahoos were swept in their double header with the Biscuits to fall four games out of first place in the Southern League South Division. The Biscuits won game one 4-2 before claiming a 3-1 win in game two.
Football is "What's Happening" this Wednesday.In preparation for the upcoming high school, college and NFL football seasons, the Wahoos will bring all the fun of the gridiron to the diamond. To join in the fun fans are encouraged to wear their favorite team's colors.
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