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Billy Hamilton hit in the face while trying to make sliding catch

A moment of triumph for the Chicago Cubs turned into a moment of tragedy for the Cincinnati Reds. Outfielder Billy Hamilton left Wednesday’s game after being hit in the face with a ball while sliding to catch an inside-the-park home run by Anthony Rizzo.

In the top of the first inning, Rizzo hit a fly ball to the left center gap. Hamilton and left fielder Adam Duvall converged on the ball, and it appeared one of them would make the play. Instead, the ball glanced off Duvall’s glove and deflected right into Hamilton’s face. Hamilton immediately fell flat on his stomach, with his head facing the ground, after completing his slide.

After the ball hit Hamilton, it shot into a now vacant left field. Duvall chased after it, but Rizzo easily managed an inside-the-park home run to give the Cubs an early 3-0 lead.

The play looked scary in real-time, and even Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper noted Hamilton’s injury before continuing to call the play.

Billy Hamilton is checked out by a trainer after being hit in the face during a play. (AP Images/John Minchillo)
Billy Hamilton is checked out by a trainer after being hit in the face during a play. (AP Images/John Minchillo)

Following the play, Hamilton laid on the field while teammates and trainers checked on him. Eventually, Hamilton was removed from the game. He was able to walk off the field under his own power.

The Cubs would go on to win the contest 9-2. After the game, the Reds announced Hamilton has a contusion on the left side of his face, and that he is undergoing concussion protocol.


Manager Bryan Price said Hamilton had not shown any signs of a concussion during initial tests, but said the team would continue to check on him. Sometimes, it takes days for symptoms of a concussion to materialize, so the team wants to play it safe.

Knowing that, there’s still some reason for concern moving forward. But based on the initial news, Hamilton appears to have avoided a major injury.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik