Turner Hill stands in the batter’s box during a minor league baseball game. Thursday, Hill was promoted to the major leagues by the San Francisco Giants. (Photo Provided by the Sacramento River Cats)
SAN FRANCISCO — Turner Hill is getting the promotion every baseball player dreams about.
According to Minor League Baseball’s transaction log, the San Francisco Giants selected Hill’s contract from the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats on Thursday. Tonight, the Giants begin a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park.
Hill, a Marietta native, hit safely in 26 straight games prior to the call-up, raising his season average to .352 and his OPS to .956. He has nine home runs, 60 runs-batted-in, 65 runs scored, 22 doubles, four triples and 23 stolen bases in 28 tries in Triple-A this season.
Recently named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Month for July, Hill was signed by the Giants organization as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Now 27 years old, Hill has risen through the minor leagues over the last four seasons.
The Giants, who own a 50-71 record, dealt away several key players at the MLB trade deadline, including outfielder Heliot Ramos. That, combined with Hill’s stellar play, opened the door for a promotion.
Hill is a 2017 graduate of Marietta High School, where he played under head coach Jim Thrash and helped lead the Tigers to a district championship.
“Turner is very deserving of every accomplishment he’s earned,” Thrash said. “If you’ve been following him, you know he’s been on fire lately. Now, it’s all come to a big climax here. Hopefully there’s more great things. Obviously, there’s immense pride among myself and many others who have had anything to do with Turner during his athletic career. I had the chance to talk some people today, and we’re all really proud of one of our own who has worked and worked and worked and earned his way to the highest pinnacle of his sport.”
After starting his college career at Malone University, Hill eventually transferred to Marietta College, where in 2022 he helped the Pioneers of manager Brian Brewer advance to the Division III College World Series.
Hill, the son of Steve and Nicole Hill, has excelled at every level throughout his baseball career. He was All-Ohio in high school, All-American in college, and in the minors he set the River Cats’ franchise record for longest hit streak. Now, he gets a shot to prove what he can do on the biggest stage of them all.
“We are incredibly proud of Turner and equally as happy for his family,” Brewer said. “Can’t say that I am surprised given his skill set, work ethic, and his strong faith in God! This is a special time for a special young man. Hill Yeah!”