COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. -- What does Derek Hill think is his best catch of the 2016 Midwest League season?
"I think the one they didn't call was the best one," he said with a laugh on Tuesday. Hill is referring to the May 17 West Michigan Whitecaps game where he appeared to catch a fly ball hit by Wisconsin's Jake Gatewood, but was hurt on the play and tried to throw the ball over to Cam Gibson to keep the play going. Umpires ruled the play a hit, but video replays after the fact showed Hill made the play.
Hill has plenty of consolation catches this season for the Whitecaps, including the number one play Monday night on ESPN's "SportsCenter." It's the type of highlight-making ability that the Detroit Tigers saw when the made him the 23rd overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft.
"I've always been defensive-minded my whole life," Hill said. "It's just second nature -- or first nature, actually. I just enjoy helping other people out, honestly. If I can put my body on the line to save one hit for the pitcher, I'll do it. One run for the pitcher, I'll do it. It doesn't matter."
Hill is currently the second-ranked prospect in the Tigers farm system. He's hitting .262 with 21 stolen bases and 46 runs scored in 58 games this season.
Highlights courtesy of the West Michigan Whitecaps
