The Cincinnati Reds know that center fielder Billy Hamilton is the fastest player in MLB. He is among an elite few in running the basepaths. However, that doesn’t mean that Hamilton has to bat lead-off.
For the past four years the Reds have either batted Hamilton first or ninth. Based on who Hamilton is, neither of these options is appropriate. His OBP is too low to bat lead-off and no outfielder can afford to bat ninth in the National League.
Hamilton’s OBP is .299 for his career and this season. That number is barely good enough for a starting player.