Sam Hilliard, born on February 21, 1994, is an American professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Colorado Rockies.
Drafted by the Rockies in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB draft out of Wichita State, Hilliard made his major league debut on August 27, 2019.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 236 pounds, he bats and throws left-handed.
Since 2016, Hilliard has progressed through the Rockies’ minor league system, playing for teams like the Asheville Tourists, Lancaster JetHawks, and Hartford Yard Goats.
His performance has earned him recognition, including being named the SAL Player of the Week and a Mid-Season All-Star.
In September 2024, he saw increased playing time and demonstrated his potential with nine home runs, 26 RBIs, and a .261/.320/.548 slash line over 131 plate appearances.
Siblings
Sam comes from a family with a history of achievement.
He has two brothers, Blake and Max, but information about their personal lives are relatively scarce compared to their brother.
Career
Hilliard’s baseball journey took him through college and into the MLB. He initially attended Navarro College before transferring to Crowder College.
The Minnesota Twins drafted him out of Crowder in 2014, but he opted to attend Wichita State University, where he played both outfield and pitched.
In his single season at Wichita State in 2015, he batted .290 with 38 runs, 61 hits, 14 doubles, five triples, three home runs, 56 RBIs, and six stolen bases over 58 games.
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The Colorado Rockies then drafted Hilliard in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB draft after his year at Wichita State, and he signed with them.
He began his professional career with the Grand Junction Rockies and subsequently played with the Asheville Tourists, Lancaster JetHawks, and Hartford Yard Goats.
After the 2018 season, the Rockies added him to their 40-man roster, and he started 2019 with the Albuquerque Isotopes.
Hilliard was promoted to the major leagues on August 27, 2019, making his debut against the Boston Red Sox and hitting a two-run home run for his first MLB hit.
However, his performance declined in the shortened 2020 season, leading to him being optioned after the Rockies acquired Kevin Pillar.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves on November 6, 2022, and after time with the Braves and an injury, the Rockies reacquired him on a waiver claim on February 28, 2024.
Accolades
Throughout his baseball journey, Hilliard has earned several accolades for his performance in both the minor and major leagues.
In 2016, he was named the SAL Player of the Week and a Mid-Season All-Star while playing for the Asheville Tourists.
The following year, in 2017, he received the title of CAL Player of the Week and was a CAL Mid-Season All-Star with the Lancaster JetHawks.
Hilliard’s success continued in 2018 as an EAS Mid-Season All-Star as part of the Hartford Yard Goats, and he was also named to the AFL All-Prospect Team while with the Salt River Rafters.
In 2019, he earned recognition as a PCL Mid-Season All-Star and a PCL Post-Season All-Star during his time with the Albuquerque Isotopes and was also recognized as a MiLB.com Organization All-Star in the Colorado Rockies system.
Furthermore, in 2020, Hilliard ranked in the top 10 for triples in the National League, showcasing his continued impact at the major league level.
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