Twenty one year old LHP Camron Hill was selected by the Phillies in the 8th round of the 2024 draft from Georgia Tech University. He’s from Fayetteville, Georgia and graduated from Whitewater High School where he was a four year letter winner in baseball, as a senior he was rated as the number three left-hand pitcher in the state. Camron also pitched in the summers in multiple Perfect Game tournaments including the World Wood Bat Association (WWBA) where he was a member of the championship team in both 2019 and 2020. He was named a 2020 Perfect Game Preseason All-American and an All-Region First Team and was a sixteen time PG All-Tournament Team selection. When he wasn’t pitching Camron played first base and was a left handed hitter.
He enrolled at Georgia Tech University as a Business Administration major and pitched for the Yellow Jackets for three years from 2022 to 2024 appearing in 50 games (11 starts) totaling 88 innings pitched. Hill pitched in the prestigious Cape Cod Summer League in 2023 and 2024 posting excellent numbers in 2023 in 11 appearances (seven starts) - a 1.09 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP in 33 IP with 45 K’s and 16 walks. Prospects Live said that “Hill simply dominated the Cape Cod League over the summer of 2023. The physically imposing 6'6" left hander sits in the low-90s, occasionally ramping it up to the mid 90s when needed.” He’s noted as having a bit of a crossfire element deceptive delivery and a four pitch mix.
After signing with the Phillies Camron spent the balance of the 2024 season training at the complex in Clearwater, he did get into one “Bridge League” practice game on 8/27/24 and pitched a scoreless inning against the Pirates at their training complex in Bradenton.
Camron is currently participating in Winter High Performance Camp at the complex. I saw lefty him on the mound for the first time today in live BP, he showed a sneaky quick fastball and a nice offset in a split finger change up. He’s got a compact somewhat cross fire delivery that has deception - three quarter slot, was impressed.
I recently had a chance to ask him a few questions - here’s our interaction.
In high school you were a four year letter winner and also a two-time World Wood Bat Association (WWBA) champion with Perfect Game. Contrast playing in the PG tournaments as compared to high school baseball? How many years did you play in PG tournaments?
“Those experiences in high school baseball would tell me what parts of my game I needed to improve on going into the summer/ PG circuit. I played in those style of tournaments for about 4-5 years.”
At Georgia Tech you pitched predominantly of the bullpen but in the Cape Cod Summer League you started 10 of your 14 game appearances - do you have a preference (starting or relieving) and what was the experience like pitching in the Cape Cod League?
“I have never had a preference as to which role I play in, my main goal is that when my name is called, I go out and give the team the best possible chance to win the game. Pitching in the Cape Cod League really taught me how to operate on a more professional level with the way I prepare and go into each game.”
Did you have any indication that the Phillies would draft you? How did you find out you had been drafted and what was your reaction?
“I had no idea the Phillies were picking me, but when I got the word from my agent, my first instinct was to run down the street in excitement and hug my dad!”
Being from Georgia did you grow up a Braves fan? Did you have a favorite player you rooted for or one that you tried to emulate?
“Being born and raised in Atlanta I definitely had a strong connection to the Braves growing up, and I always liked players that I could see myself in like David Price and Ryan Howard.”
Last summer after signing you didn’t appear in an official game however you pitched an inning in a “Bridge League” game against the Pirates in Bradenton - how did it feel to take the mound as a professional for the first time and how much are you looking forward to your “official” pro debut?
“It felt great to take the field for the first time as a professional because it was just a testament to all the work put in to get there and the work that lies ahead. I’m pumped to make my “offical” debut because this has been a lifelong dream and passion of mine.”
You’ve been to two High Performance Camps now - what are your impressions regarding the Phillies approach to teaching the combination of baseball, conditioning, nutrition and mental skills?
“I love how they combine all of these elements into the day to day schedule because all of those factors are what makes a player successful and ultimately, a team successful.”
What is your pitch arsenal and what goals have you set for this coming season?
“I have a Four-Seam Fastball, Cutter, Splitter, and Curveball, and my goal for the season is to make strides everyday to reach the ultimate goal, which is climbing up to the big club.”
I thank Camron for answering my inquiries. We wish him well this season and in years to come, lefty arm, sneaky quick, easy delivery, solid off speed - what’s not to like 👀 - should be fun to watch this summer.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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