After his time with the Cowboys, Hamilton joined the Philadelphia Phillies, where he truly began to shine. During his tenure with the Phillies, he led the league in stolen bases for four consecutive seasons from 1890 to 1893. His speed on the base paths was unmatched, and he became a nightmare for opposing pitchers and catchers. In 1894, Hamilton achieved a remarkable feat by scoring 198 runs in a single season, a record that still stands today.
Hamilton's career continued with the Boston Beaneaters, where he maintained his reputation as one of the fastest players in the game. His ability to get on base was another strength, as he consistently posted high on-base percentages. Hamilton's keen eye at the plate and his knack for drawing walks made him a valuable leadoff hitter.
Throughout his career, Hamilton's base-stealing skills were legendary. He led the league in stolen bases five times and finished his career with 914 stolen bases, a record that stood until it was broken by Lou Brock in 1974. Hamilton's speed was not only an asset on the bases but also in the outfield, where he played primarily as a center fielder.
Hamilton's career batting average of .344 ranks among the highest in baseball history, and he was known for his ability to get on base and score runs. His offensive skills, combined with his speed, made him one of the most exciting players of his era.
After retiring from playing, Hamilton remained involved in baseball, serving as a manager and coach. His legacy as one of the greatest base stealers in the history of the game is well remembered, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1961.
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