Former Dodgers Pitcher Eyes Midseason MLB Return From Free Agency
The volunteer first base coach for the Reds of Milton Little League in Massachusetts looks like any kid’s dad who enjoys being on the diamond with his son. This coach isn’t an ordinary dad, though. He has 90 Major League wins on his resumé and has pitched in a couple of World Series.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill is enjoying his time coaching his son Brice, which is why he decided not to play for a major league organization this spring. He even turned down three contract offers to spend extra time with his son, who is in his last season of Little League ball.
“I’ve only seen Brice play four games over the last three years or whatever,” Hill told MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “Getting the opportunity, knowing that it was his last year of Little League, that’s something that you can’t get back.”
Hill also serves as the team’s pitching coach, sharing a lifetime of advice with kids playing on the same field he grew up on.
“Some of the only Little League pictures that I have are pitching on this field,” said Hill. “The window closes fast. Not only on a career but also to be able to watch your son play. You don’t realize it obviously at the time until you get to that point. I think I’ve been fortunate to get to that point.”
Hill plans on making a return to Major League Baseball after the All-Star Break. He hasn’t stopped training.
“I’ve been working out and throwing,” said Hill. “I’m continuing to progress and get ready for when that opportunity comes around to go and pitch. The idea is to be ready when that time comes.”
Hill hasn’t struggled with the decision he made to delay his season; he knows he made the right one. That was solidified when he saw his son hitting a home run in person, instead of via FaceTime or a video sent to his phone.
“We’ve had great moments we’ve been able to share,” said Hill. “On my side, too, understanding that 12 years old is 12 years old. I think that’s extremely important to understand, from not just the aspect of the dad but the coaching side. Just the teachable moments that come up are extremely important. So watching him be able to play and get that opportunity, this is the reason why I stayed home.”
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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