Births on February 16

Billy Hamilton, American baseball player and manager (d. 1940)

William Robert Hamilton (February 16, 1866 – December 15, 1940), universally known by his distinctive nickname 'Sliding Billy,' was an iconic American professional baseball player whose illustrious career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A dominant force in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1888 to 1901, Hamilton was renowned for his exceptional speed, base-running prowess, and elite hitting ability, which collectively made him one of the most feared leadoff hitters of his era. His dynamic impact on the game solidified his legacy as a true pioneer of offensive baseball.

A Distinguished Professional Career Across Major League Teams

Hamilton's distinguished major league career saw him don the uniforms of three prominent clubs, leaving a significant mark on each. He initially made his professional debut and established himself with the Kansas City Cowboys, playing in the American Association from 1888 to 1889. The American Association was considered a major league at the time, offering Hamilton his first platform to showcase his burgeoning talents as a dynamic outfielder and aggressive base-runner. However, his most prolific and celebrated period came during his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League (NL) from 1890 to 1895. It was in Philadelphia that 'Sliding Billy' truly blossomed into a superstar, consistently leading the league in multiple offensive categories and captivating fans with his daring style of play. He concluded his illustrious playing days with the Boston Beaneaters (a franchise now known as the Atlanta Braves) from 1896 to 1901, continuing to contribute as a veteran presence and dangerous offensive weapon at the end of the 19th century and the dawn of the 20th.

Unparalleled Achievements: Batting Titles and Base-Stealing Dominance

William Robert Hamilton's statistical achievements underscore his status as one of baseball's all-time greats, particularly highlighting his dual threat as an elite hitter and a generational base-stealer. He was a two-time National League batting champion, demonstrating his consistent ability to hit for a high average against the era's best pitchers, capturing titles in 1891 and 1893. Furthermore, his unparalleled speed made him a terror on the basepaths; he led the NL in stolen bases an impressive five times, a testament to his aggressive and highly effective base-running style. Remarkably, Hamilton eclipsed the century mark in stolen bases on three separate occasions throughout his major league career (111 in 1889, 102 in 1890, and 111 in 1891), a feat that was extraordinarily rare and impactful in any era of baseball.

The Unforgettable 1894 Season and an Unbroken MLB Record

The 1894 season stands out as arguably the pinnacle of William Hamilton's career, and indeed, one of the most statistically dominant offensive seasons in baseball history. During this extraordinary year, often referred to as a "high offense" period in baseball, Hamilton not only achieved an astounding batting average exceeding .400, finishing at an incredible .404, but he also etched his name into the record books by setting the single-season major league record for runs scored with an astounding 198. This remarkable achievement remains an unbroken major league record to this day, highlighting his unparalleled ability to consistently get on base and then convert those opportunities into runs. His 1894 season perfectly exemplified his dual threat as both a prolific hitter and a devastating base-runner.

A Legacy as a Base-Stealing Icon and Hall of Famer

William Robert Hamilton's legacy is inextricably linked to his incredible speed and base-stealing prowess. His career total of 914 stolen bases ranks him third on the all-time major league list, a testament to his consistent threat on the basepaths over more than a decade. Only legendary base-stealers Rickey Henderson (1,406) and Lou Brock (938) stand ahead of him in this esteemed category. His aggressive approach to base-running, including his signature head-first slide, not only earned him his famous nickname but also significantly influenced and revolutionized the way players approached advancing on the bases, making him a true pioneer of offensive strategy. Beyond his record-breaking base-running and runs scored, Hamilton was also an elite hitter for average, concluding his major league career with a phenomenal .344 batting average. This impressive mark places him among the highest career averages in baseball history for players with substantial playing time. Decades after his retirement, William Robert 'Sliding Billy' Hamilton's immense contributions to baseball were formally recognized with his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1961. He was inducted by the esteemed Veterans Committee, an electoral body often responsible for recognizing deserving players from earlier eras whose careers might predate widespread media coverage or who were overlooked by the initial Baseball Writers' Association of America ballots. His induction was a fitting tribute to a career defined by speed, skill, and statistical dominance, ensuring his place among baseball's immortals.

Frequently Asked Questions About William "Sliding Billy" Hamilton

What was William Robert Hamilton's nickname and why?

William Robert Hamilton was universally known by the nickname 'Sliding Billy.' This moniker originated from his exceptionally aggressive and effective base-running style, particularly his daring and innovative head-first slide, which was a distinctive and impactful maneuver during his era.

Which teams did 'Sliding Billy' Hamilton play for?

'Sliding Billy' Hamilton played for three major league teams during his career: the Kansas City Cowboys (American Association, 1888-1889), the Philadelphia Phillies (National League, 1890-1895), and the Boston Beaneaters (National League, 1896-1901).

What major league records does Billy Hamilton hold?

William Robert Hamilton holds the single-season major league record for runs scored, with an incredible 198 runs achieved in the 1894 season. This record remains unbroken to this day.

How high does Billy Hamilton rank in career stolen bases?

William Robert Hamilton ranks third on the all-time major league list for stolen bases, with a career total of 914. Only Rickey Henderson and Lou Brock have more career stolen bases.

When was William Robert Hamilton inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

William Robert Hamilton was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1961 by the Veterans Committee, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.