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| (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ) |
By Mike Viso | @MikeViso
Billy Hamilton wasted no time giving those in attendance for
the 2012 Carolina-California League All-Star Game what they wanted. After
reaching first base on a bunt single, Hamilton promptly stole second on what he
was told later by his Cal League teammates was a pitchout. He then stole third
base before scoring on outfielder George Springer’s groundout to second base.
Although that was his only hit
of the night and the lone run scored in a 9-1
loss to the Carolina League All-Stars, he was named the MVP of the California
team. Hamilton seems to be resurrecting the memories of Vince Coleman and the
days of the 100-plus stolen base season, especially given his recent surpassing
of that mark for the Class A Advanced affiliate Bakersfield Blaze. After
swiping 103 bases in the Midwest League last season, he recently stole his
100th base of 2012 against the Lake Elsinore Storm.
Big Leagues Monthly columnist and Lynchburg Hillcats
broadcaster Mike Viso recently spoke with the Cincinnati Red’s top prospect at
the Carolina-California League All-Star game.
Q: You're getting a lot of national recognition, what's it been
like?
A: I mean, it's been good, man. People [have] been asking about
my 80 stolen bases and stuff. I answer this question maybe a 100 times a day,
so I'm getting used to it now. It's getting on base that's the main key to
those stolen bases. Relaxing and having fun out here. Being confident that I
can steal a base every time helps me out a little bit.
Q:You're hitting .322 on the season, what's your approach to
hitting? Are you trying to drive the ball or do you find you're getting more
slap and infield hits?
A: I mean, it’s different situations...I look at the shortstop
to see where they're playing at or I slap the ball in the hole. More this year,
I've been driving the ball in the gap, hitting line drives and stuff. I get
just as many infield hits and I'm mixing those in. That's the main thing,
mixing those infield hits in.