The first two stops in Nick Hill’s professional baseball career came in Everett, Wash., and Adelanto, Calif.
So when the pitcher was promoted to the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx of the Class AA Southern League last week, the former Sullivan East High School star was thrilled to return to his native state.
“It’s good to be back in Tennessee,” Hill said.
Hill’s career track is also looking good. Just one year after being drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the seventh round of the MLB Amateur Draft out of the U.S. Military Academy, Hill has already risen to the Class AA level.
He began the season with the High Desert Mavericks of the High Class A California League and was 1-6 with a 4.52 ERA at the time of his promotion.
“I was maybe a little surprised,” Hill said. “I didn’t think I was throwing as well as I could out in California. It’s a good surprise though.”
While Hill’s numbers weren’t spectacular at High Desert, he did hone his skills in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the minors.
“The wind is always blowing and it seems like it’s always going out,” Hill said. “The thing is it helps you learn how to pitch. Going against it makes you a better pitcher.”
Hill split time as a starter and reliever with High Desert, but his numbers were better out of the bullpen. He’s been used as a reliever by West Tennessee.
“I guess it’s the same game when you go out there,” Hill said. “I kind of like relieving. I started my whole life and am more comfortable with that, but either way is fine. You get to throw a lot more as a reliever.”
Hill has had mixed results in his first three outings for the Diamond Jaxx.
In his first outing on June 24, Hill allowed four runs on three hits in 1 1/3 innings against the Tennessee Smokies.
“The hitters in this league are a lot better,” Hill said. “They will take advantage of your mistakes. The first night I was getting the ball up and they were hitting it. I’ve just got to stay focused when I’m out there.”
Hill was certainly focused in his next two outings. Two days after his AA debut, he worked a scoreless inning against Tennessee and retired all three batters he faced.
On Sunday, Hill was brought into to face Tennessee’s Tyler Colvin in a lefty-lefty matchup. Hill got Colvin to line out to left field.
For the 23-year-old Hill, the biggest highlight is yet to come. West Tennessee will play a five-game series on July 8-12 in Sevierville and Hill is sure to have a large cheering section from Bluff City.
“Oh, yeah. I’ve already got people calling me about that and what not,” Hill said. “I guess it’s going to be sort of a homecoming for me. I’m looking forward to that.”
thayes@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2570
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