2025 Program layout - Flipbook - Page 6
Each homestand, the Isotopes will publish a Q & A with one of its players or coaches, hosted by Isotopes
broadcaster Josh Suchon. In this week’s edition, Suchon talks to out昀椀elder Sam Hilliard, who hit his 80th
home run as an Isotope Friday, April 25 at Reno-the most home runs in Albuquerque pro baseball history.
Josh Suchon: What do you remember about your 昀椀rst
home run that you ever hit at any point in your baseball
life?
Sam Hilliard: It was Little League, coaches pitch. My dad
was pitching for our team. I might have hit one before this,
but a three-homer game sticks out in my mind. I remember
like it was yesterday. It’s cool to think back along the
di昀昀erent levels and all the home runs I’ve hit but that day
sticks out.
Suchon: When did you start to feel like you began growing
into your body and that power can be a part of your game as
a baseball player?
Hilliard: It was probably my sophomore year at Junior
College. I started to really grow. I was a late bloomer, kind
of tall and skinny but started to put on weight. During
batting practice I started hitting the ball further than everybody. It was never really a part of my game but
thought maybe this is something I should tap into, or at least try to. When I got to Wichita State my junior
year I had a great hitting coach, Brian Walker. I was a two-way player, and I thought of myself as more of a
pitcher. I thought I was going to get drafted as a pitcher. So I didn’t think that much about hitting. I just hit
way better than I pitched that year and ended up getting drafted as hitter in the 15th round. I didn’t know
if I was going to get drafted as a pitcher or a hitter until that day. It’s been a long journey.
Suchon: No one wants a career Minor League Baseball record, but nonetheless, no one has done this.
What does it mean to you?
Hilliard: Like you said, it’s not a record you grow up dreaming about. But I take a lot of pride of what I
have accomplished in Albuquerque. Every time I come down I play hard and do my thing. It’s a testament
of not giving up. I’ve had some great teammates and coaches, too. Jordan Pacheco keeps my swing right.
This record means a lot to me. I’ve had a lot of friends and family reach out and congratulate me. It’s
de昀椀nitely special to me and my family.
Suchon: Tell me what Jordan Pacheco has meant to you as a hitting coach?
Hilliard: Everybody loves Pacheco. He’s not too far removed from being a player. So he still has that
perspective as a player. He has an elite mind of a hitting coach who belongs in the Big Leagues. Everybody
wants to hit with him.
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2025 ALBUQUERQUE ISOTOPES SOUVENIR PROGRAM
