Donnie Hill, a professional baseball infielder, played in Major League Baseball primarily during the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on November 12, 1960, in Pomona, California, Hill attended the University of Arizona, where he honed his skills on the baseball field. His talent caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 1981 MLB Draft.
Hill made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics on May 8, 1983. During his time with the Athletics, he played various infield positions, including second base, shortstop, and third base. His versatility in the infield was a valuable asset to the team. In his rookie season, Hill appeared in 47 games, batting .237 with 14 RBIs. Over the next few years, he continued to develop his skills and became a regular fixture in the Athletics' lineup.
In 1986, Hill had one of his best seasons with the Athletics, playing in 140 games and achieving a batting average of .283. He also contributed 3 home runs and 39 RBIs, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. His performance that year helped solidify his role as a reliable infielder for the team.
Following his tenure with the Athletics, Hill was traded to the Chicago White Sox in December 1986. With the White Sox, he continued to demonstrate his infield capabilities. In the 1987 season, Hill played in 134 games, maintaining a batting average of .314, which was the highest of his career. His time with the White Sox further established him as a consistent player in the league.
In 1988, Hill was traded to the California Angels, where he continued to play as an infielder. His stint with the Angels lasted until 1990, during which he played in 198 games. Although his batting average dipped during this period, Hill remained a dependable defensive player.
Hill's final MLB season came in 1992 when he joined the San Francisco Giants. He played in 44 games for the Giants, primarily serving as a backup infielder. After the 1992 season, Hill retired from professional baseball, concluding a career that spanned nearly a decade.
Throughout his career, Donnie Hill played in 731 games, achieving a career batting average of .257 with 22 home runs and 228 RBIs.
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