Marietta’s Turner Hill signs with Giants organization
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WASHINGTON, Pa.--Turner Hill took a big step Friday toward reaching his dream of playing Major League Baseball.
Hill, who played his high school and college ball in Marietta, was in the middle of spring training with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League when he learned his contract had been purchased by the San Francisco Giants organization. He flew out Sunday to Scottsdale, Ariz., where he'll compete in extended spring training and go from there.
"I'm pumped," Hill said. "I've been wanting this opportunity my whole life and it's finally come to fruition. I'm super excited to get out here and get to work."
Hill was called into the office of Wild Things manager Tom Vaeth following a scrimmage. He was caught by surprise when Vaeth broke the news to him about the Giants.
"I had talked to a couple teams before, but never the Giants," Hill said. "I had no idea at all (this was coming). I'm not a super emotional guy, and to be honest it didn't feel real at first. It was kind of a weird feeling (Friday) when I found out. I think it truly hit me Saturday morning and that's when I got a little more emotional."
Hill made it a little over halfway through spring training with the Wild Things, but made a big impression in his time there.
"Turner was having a great camp with us," Vaeth said. "Not only was he swinging the bat very well, but he played outstanding defensively in the outfield. He had already earned the starting centerfield job after only one week.
"It was so great watching his reaction when I called him into the office and told him he was getting picked up. … I know (the Giants) are very excited to have him."
Hill finished his high school career as one of the most decorated baseball players in Marietta Tigers history. He was a two-time first team All-Ohioan and a three-time Roger Miller Team MVP. As a four-year starter in center field, Hill posted a .384 career batting average, including .433 as a junior and .456 as a senior.
Collegiately, Hill played three years at Division II Malone University. He led the team in batting average in two out of his three seasons there before transferring to Marietta College. Hill was an All-American in both of his seasons in pinstripes, batting .433 as a senior with 51 runs-batted-in, 33 stolen bases and 19 doubles. He walked 31 times and had just six strikeouts in 249 plate appearances.
After helping the Etta Express reach the D3 College World Series, Hill earned a spot in the MLB Draft League, where he played for the West Virginia Black Bears. Hill hit .391 to claim the league's batting title. He got on base at a .463 clip to go along with 38 runs scored, 16 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and nine doubles in 37 games.
That led him to Washington, and ultimately, the Giants organization. Hill has excelled at every level of his baseball career and is hoping to continue that trend. He said he appreciates the backing he's received from his hometown throughout his career.
"The community support has been huge," Hill said, "From Marietta High School to Marietta College I've had so many pulling for me and helping me get to this point. It really means a lot."
Jordan Holland can be reached at jholland@mariettatimes.com.