Chants of "Billy, Billy" rang out from the Guaranteed Rate Field bleachers for the second consecutive day as Billy Hamilton ran out to take his position in centerfield. On Sunday afternoon Billy Hamilton turned on a 91 mph fastball off the hand of Orioles starter Keegan Akin and drilled it 367 feet into the stands. The home run was Hamilton's second in as many days and more importantly, tied the game at one apiece. Entering the weekend, he had exactly one home run over the past three seasons -- and just 23 total over his nine-year career. When he returned to the dugout he was greeted by a giddy group of teammates who seemed to be enjoying the moment almost as much as he was. The White Sox would go onto win the game 3-1, completing their four-game sweep of Baltimore. Hamilton's contributions were a reason why. Hamilton has become a fan favorite on the SouthSide fans and teammates alike. In March, Hamilton didn't even know if he would be on a major league roster. At the age of 30, he was let go by the Indians in Spring Training. In 2020 he split time between the Cubs and Mets. He played sparingly going, a meager 4-for-32. The White Sox picked him up with the hopes that he could be a useful weapon off the bench and steal a couple of bases, late in games.

Billy The Hitter

He has been so much more. When Luis Robert went down with an injury, Hamilton was asked to take on a larger role. He has embodied the White Sox "next man up" approach this season and helped the team win any way he can. This homestand has been the perfect showcase of what he has meant to the White Sox. On May 27th the White Sox were tied 1-1 with the first-place Cardinals. Hamilton came to the plate in the sixth inning with two outs. He delivered by slapping a ball up the middle for a go-ahead RBI single. It would turn out to be the game-winning hit as the White Sox went on to win 5-1. On Saturday, he jump-started the White Sox offense in Game 2 of a doubleheader with a solo home run. Hamilton was so excited that he sprinted around the bases in 15 seconds.

His teammate's reactions tell you all you need to know about how the locker room feels about him. "I've actually never seen the dugout more excited, to be honest with you," Lance Lynn told reporters. "Everybody was pretty jacked." Later, Hamilton made a game-saving catch to protect the 3-0 lead he helped create. Maikel Franco hit a bases-loaded line drive with nobody out. Hamilton came racing in and left his feet to make a sliding catch. On Sunday, Hamilton tried to show that his power stroke from the day before was no fluke. Hamilton's 367-foot shot left the bat with an exit velocity of 103.8 mph at a launch angle of 26 degrees. Under the MLB's definition, that is considered a textbook "barrel." It was only his second official barrel since the 2018 season. Hamilton is beginning to play with a newfound conficence. Teammates like Tim Anderson, have instilled a new attiude in Hamilton at the plate and it shows.

Hamiton is not a prolific hitter by any means but, this is not the first time he has helped the White Sox out with his bat. Earlier in the season, he 4-for-4 against the Minnesota Twins falling a home run shy of the cycle. While nobody is going to confuse Hamilton as a power hitter anytime soon, the energy he provides the team is immeasurable. His effort and humble attitude have resonated with the fan base. Hamilton has appreciated the support. "It's great being part of this team. Much love over here."