When we watched him beat the Reds with a majestic walkoff bomb in extras as a relatively unknown utility player back in 2003, we dubbed him Billy Hero.
As seasons have passed, Milwaukee's formerly-affable defensive chameleon lived up to the moniker. In addition to landing a national reputation for socking homers for his momma with pink bats on Mother's Day, Hall simply developed a propensity for the prolific.
I felt for Hall when he was bumped out to center field, making way for would-be Rookie of the Year, Ryan Braun. While Braun is superhuman, he was also a human sieve. Even if the Crew gave Hall a superhero-caliber deal a few years ago in the context of their small market, the writings were on the wall.
Today, said scriptures have become clear. When Hall went homer-crazy in the early going this year, it was clearly a temporary flare with all of them sailing out to left field. Not once did he exhibit patience, staying back and driving the ball. Mr. Hero was pressing. That's why he also hit around .200. That's why the smile is gone. Let's hope not for good.
Even though they're in decisively different ballparks, it reminds me of the malaise people criticized Ken Griffey Jr. for when injuries punctuated his stay in Seattle. The baseball universe stood and cheered as one was the Kid got his groove back. Even Mariners fans had to feel immensely proud when Griffey's picturesque swing was present most of last season in Cincinnati.
Brewers fans may feel stung if Hall is moved, given his reported desire for a change in scenery. But they'll remember him much more fondly if he goes to the AL and recaptures his swagger.
Doug Melvin is a very smart general manager. He sees the same thing the rest of us do - a guy who, despite all the love he's earned and garnered from one ballpark, needs to get away from it in the worst way.
- Christopher Heimerman is the sports editor for
The Monroe Times. He can be reached at sportseditor@themonroetimes.com
As seasons have passed, Milwaukee's formerly-affable defensive chameleon lived up to the moniker. In addition to landing a national reputation for socking homers for his momma with pink bats on Mother's Day, Hall simply developed a propensity for the prolific.
I felt for Hall when he was bumped out to center field, making way for would-be Rookie of the Year, Ryan Braun. While Braun is superhuman, he was also a human sieve. Even if the Crew gave Hall a superhero-caliber deal a few years ago in the context of their small market, the writings were on the wall.
Today, said scriptures have become clear. When Hall went homer-crazy in the early going this year, it was clearly a temporary flare with all of them sailing out to left field. Not once did he exhibit patience, staying back and driving the ball. Mr. Hero was pressing. That's why he also hit around .200. That's why the smile is gone. Let's hope not for good.
Even though they're in decisively different ballparks, it reminds me of the malaise people criticized Ken Griffey Jr. for when injuries punctuated his stay in Seattle. The baseball universe stood and cheered as one was the Kid got his groove back. Even Mariners fans had to feel immensely proud when Griffey's picturesque swing was present most of last season in Cincinnati.
Brewers fans may feel stung if Hall is moved, given his reported desire for a change in scenery. But they'll remember him much more fondly if he goes to the AL and recaptures his swagger.
Doug Melvin is a very smart general manager. He sees the same thing the rest of us do - a guy who, despite all the love he's earned and garnered from one ballpark, needs to get away from it in the worst way.
- Christopher Heimerman is the sports editor for
The Monroe Times. He can be reached at sportseditor@themonroetimes.com
