Eric Hillman visualized, made three Mets seasons, Japan
After calling his first major league start in August 1992 "every little kid's dream," Mets rookie Eric Hillman explained his pitching style to The Associated Press.
"I work on visualization a lot. In between innings, I sit in the dugout and visualize throwing the ball where I want, getting ground ball outs," Hillman told The AP. "I make my living on the ground."
Hillman's living in the major leagues ended up lasting three seasons and 36 outings. He went 4-14 overall.
Hillman's career began in 1987, taken by the Mets in the 16th round of the draft out of Eastern Illinois University.
He described being drafted to The Charleston Journal Gazette and Times-Courier.
"That's what I've been wanting all my life," Hillman told the paper. "Ever since I was three weeks old I've wanted to be a major league baseball player. Well, maybe four weeks old."
Hillman started with the Mets at short-season Little Falls. He went 6-4, with a 4.22 ERA in 13 starts.
He made single-A Columbia in 1988, high-A St. Lucie and AA Jackson in 1990, and AAA Tidewater in 1991.
In May 1992, he made New York. He saw 11 outings that year, starting 8. He went 2-2, with a 5.33 ERA.
Hillman returned for 27 more outings, 22 starts in 1993. He went 2-9 then, with a 3.97 ERA. He threw a complete game, five-hitter in a July win.
After that win, The New York Daily News referenced Hillman's height - 6 feet, 10 inches tall - noting the direct comparisons there with future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson.
"I'm not Randy Johnson; I'll never be Randy Johnson," Hillman told The Daily News. "He's a power pitcher. I'm more finesse and get-the-ball-on-the-ground."
Hillman saw 11 more outings, six starts with the Mets in 1994. He went 0-3 then, with a 7.79 ERA.
Hillman then went to Japan. He played 1995 and 1996 with Chiba Lotte, going 12-9 his first year there and 14-9 in his second. He saw two starts with Yomiuri in 1997 and is recorded as having one final start at AAA Round Rock in 2000 to end his career.
- Charleston Journal Gazette and Times-Courier, June 5, 1987: Mets draft two Panthers
- Jackson County Floridian, Associated Press, Aug. 12, 1992: Fantasy becomes reality for rookie
- New York Daily News, July 26, 1993: Hillman in complete control
Made the Majors:1,475-31.8%-X
Never Made Majors:3,170-68.4%