Versatile Hamilton is a bright spot in Paints\' struggling season
July 6, 2004 - Frontier League (FL)
Chillicothe Paints News Release
There are hundreds of stories that answer the often asked question..."how does the Chillicothe Paints organization find players?".
But, none are possibly any more unique than how pitcher/outfielder, Mark Hamilton, happened to land a job with the Paints this summer.
Hamilton was in spring training this year with the Houston Astros' organization when he was handed his release. Soon after, he was signed by the Windy City Thunderbolts, a member of the Frontier League Western Division. However, Windy City management realized that Hamilton fell into the "Veteran" category (after his signing) and there was no room on the Thunderbolts' roster for another veteran player.
He then thought he would be traded to the Washington WildThings, but Washington was facing the same problem (too many veterans) as Windy City. Calls were placed to Paints' manager Jamie Keefe and, consequently, a trade involving a "player to be named later" sent Hamilton packing for Chillicothe.
"I'm still not sure what all took place," said Hamilton. "But, I'm happy to be playing in Chillicothe. It's a great little town and great people."
Hamilton is no stranger to surprise moves. He was drafted out of high school by the New York Yankees in 1996, but opted to accept a scholarship to the University of Texas. After one year with the Longhorns, he transferred to Panola (TX) Junior College where he had an outstanding season and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians. But, again he passed on a chance to sign a professional contract to transfer to Texas Christian University.
Following two great seasons at TCU, Hamilton was drafted for the third time, and he signed a contract with the Houston Astros. He played for Michigan in the Class-A Midwest League for one year where he played left field and pitched on occasion. In the 2002 and 2003, he played for the Salem Avalanche in the Class-A Carolina League where he only pitched. Despite posting solid numbers and experiencing good outings this past spring, the Astros gave the left-hander his walking papers.
When he arrived in the Paints' spring training camp, Keefe told Hamilton that he was tinkering with the idea of using him in the starting pitching rotation and in the outfield between starts on the mound.
"That's fine with me," said Hamilton. I just like playing baseball. If that's what it takes to help this team win than I'm all for it."
None will argue that Hamilton has done more than his part to help the Paints put up victories, especially on the mound. He has eight starts to his credit with a league-leading five complete games. His lowly ERA of 2.25 is among the league leaders and he leads the Frontier League in strikeouts with 69. Opponents are only batting .201 against Hamilton. Despite these dominating statistics, he only has a 2-4 record to show for his efforts, mainly because of poor run support from his teammates. His losses include a 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1 results.
When playing in the outfield, Hamilton is batting a solid .280 with eight doubles, a pair of home runs and 14 RBI's.
Paints' fans have quickly noticed that Hamilton's on-field qualities might only be surpassed by his professionalism and gentleman-like qualities off the field. Everyone complains about the Paints' lack of production when Hamilton is on the mound except Hamilton, himself.
"Man-for-man, all up and down our lineup, I really believe we're better than these teams that are beating us," Hamilton stated. "We have some very good players on this team. Maybe, we're trying too hard. Everyone on this team feels responsible for the way we're playing and I think everyone is trying to be the one to step up and turn things around."
The Paints have made nine roster changes in the past 13 days, prompting the question about the team's chemistry and attitude.
Again, Hamilton remained positive in his response.
"We have some great guys and good ballplayers on this team," stated Hamilton.
Because of his All-Star type pitching performances this summer, rumors have been floating all over Chillicothe that he may soon be signed by one of the Major League organizations. But, Hamilton doesn't put much stock in the rumors.
"I don't worry about things I can't control," said Hamilton. I don't pay too much attention to anything the scouts say. If it (Major League contract) happens then I'll pay attention.
He did stress that a move back into one of the Major League affiliated Class-A leagues would only be a lateral move.
"This league (Frontier) is Class-A quality. I've played in two affiliated Class-A leagues and I wouldn't consider going back to one of them as an upward move," explained Hamilton. Right now, I'm just focusing on trying to help this team get better and back on the winning track."
In reference to the Frontier League's new format this year of all teams playing 90 games within their own division, Hamilton was asked if it makes it more difficult to pitch against or hit against familiar opponents so often.
"For me, I find it easier to adjust as a pitcher than as a hitter," said Hamilton without a hint of cockiness.
With the Frontier League All-Star selections schedule to be released this week, Hamilton was asked if he expected to be named to the Eastern Division team.
"I really haven't given that any thought. It would be an honor to be named to the All-Star team, but I can't stress enough that my main goal is to win here in Chillicothe," Hamilton concluded.
Hamilton is a native of Hurst, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. He is 26 years old, which means this will be his lone and last year in the Frontier League because his 27th birthday will be April of 2005, one month before the league's age deadline.
Who knows where Hamilton will be performing next year? The only that is a sure be is that he will be happy just to be wearing the uniform of the game he loves and plays so well.
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Frontier League Stories from July 6, 2004
- Windy City Beats RiverHawks, Avoids Sweep - Rockford RiverHawks
- Kings sweep Otters - Evansville Otters
- Roosters defeat Washington 12-4 - Washington Wild Things
- Otters nab six all-star slots - Evansville Otters
- Six RiverHawks Selected To All-Star Team - Rockford RiverHawks
- Versatile Hamilton is a bright spot in Paints' struggling season - Chillicothe Paints
- Kings wallop Otters, 16-7 - Kalamazoo Kings
- Dogs To Take Over Marinelli Field - Rockford RiverHawks
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