TORONTO — Former Tiger Aaron Hill hit his first Major League home run in his 99th career at bat on Monday, going 4-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. The Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop turned third baseman has batted .382 to start his MLB career (39 of 102) and continues to excel at the highest level.
Hill, who played at LSU from 2001-03, was a first-round draft pick by the Blue Jays in 2003. He hit a solo home run in the first inning of Baltimore Orioles’ pitcher Bruce Chen that gave Toronto a 4-0 lead. Toronto went on to win, 11-2, and improved to 35-35 overall.
The 2003 All-American and Southeastern Conference Player of the Year began the 2005 season with successful stinit in his first Triple-A assignment, batting .301 with five homers and 18 RBIs in 38 games for the SkyChiefs. Hill played in four Spring Training games for the Blue Jays, going 2-for-10 with a pair of singles.
Since being called up on May 19 to replace third baseman Corey Koskie, Hill has solidified his position in the lineup, if not the field. A shortstop by trade, Hill has played 14 of his 29 games at third base, only one game at shortstop, and the rest as the designated hitter. He has committed only two fielding errors, both at third base, and has a .963 fielding percentage in 54 chances.
However, it’s his batting that has been the most impressive. In 29 games, the rookie has 21 RBI, eight doubles, three triples and 16 runs scored while walking nine times and striking out only six times.
Hill stole his first base on Monday, as well, in his first attempt.
Although Hill has not played in enough games to qualify for league statistical leaders, his .382 average puts him among the top five leaders in batting average over the past 30 days according to MLB.com.