Since coming into the MLB in 2013, Cincinnati Reds centrefielder Billy Hamilton has been one of baseball’s fastest men.
On Thursday, he recorded his 200th career stolen base, becoming the 4th fastest player to do so.
While Hamilton’s world-class speed is undeniable, the crown of Cincinnati’s fastest athlete certainly isn’t a lock since the arrival of NFL rookie John Ross III.
Ross was drafted 9th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft just weeks after setting the NFL record for the 40-yard dash. Ross’ time of 4.22 narrowly beat out former record holder Chris Johnson’s 4.24 dash, but would he be quick enough to beat fellow Cincinnati speedster Hamilton in a race?
After Thursday’s win over the Pirates, Hamilton batted around the idea racing Ross for charity.
“I’m willing to do it, it’s something we can put together if you guys want,” Hamilton said, “set it up, I’m ready.”
Watch Hamilton’s full response here:
Hamilton remembers running a 4.50 40-yard dash when he was in grade nine, but says that at that point he was still young and learning how to run.
While he may be in pretty deep against the NFL’s record holder, a race to crown Cincinnati’s fastest athlete would make for a fun charitable event.
If these two actually went head-to-head it would be pretty awesome. It would definitely be the greatest race in Cincinnati since Chad Johnson went head-to-head with a horse for charity.
(H/T Twitter/Reds)
