Billy Hamilton

Billy Hamilton, nicknamed "Sliding Billy," was one of the fastest and most prolific base runners in baseball history. Playing from 1888 to 1901, Hamilton starred for the Kansas City Cowboys, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Beaneaters. He led the league in stolen bases five times and finished his career with 914 steals — still one of the highest totals in MLB history.

Equally dangerous at the plate, Hamilton batted over .300 in 12 of his 14 seasons and posted a career on-base percentage of .455, ranking among the best all time. His 1,697 career runs scored stood as the MLB record until the late 20th century. Incredibly, he scored more runs than games played — a rare and elite distinction.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1961, Hamilton remains a symbol of speed, smarts, and relentless pressure on defenses during baseball’s early years.

Hamilton's Awards and Records

• 2× NL batting champion (1891, 1893)
• 5× NL stolen base leader (1889–1891, 1894, 1895)
• MLB record 198 runs, single season
• Philadelphia Phillies jersey retired
• Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame

MLB Records

• Scored more runs (1,697) than games played (1,594)
• Ranks 1st in career runs per game – 1.06, the highest in MLB history
• Stole 914 career bases – ranked 3rd all-time behind Rickey Henderson and Lou Brock
• .455 career on-base percentage – still top 10 in MLB history
• Stole 7 bases in a single game (August 31, 1894) – tied for most in MLB history
• Led the National League in stolen bases five times (1890–1891, 1893–1894, 1898)

MLB Teams:

Kansas City Cowboys (1888–1889)
Philadelphia Phillies (1890–1895)
Boston Beaneaters (1896–1901)