Sam Hilliard Bio
Samuel Beauman Hilliard, born on February 21, 1994, is an American professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the KT Wiz of the KBO League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves. Known for his power at the plate and athleticism in the outfield, Hilliard made his MLB debut with the Rockies in 2019 and has built a career as a left-handed hitting outfielder. He signed with the KT Wiz in December 2025, beginning his first professional stint outside the United States.
Early Life and Background
Sam Hilliard grew up in Mansfield, Texas, where he attended Mansfield High School. He played both baseball and basketball during his high school years, developing the athletic foundation that would later support his professional career. His father, Jim Hilliard, played for the Texas Longhorns football team and went on to work as an orthopedic surgeon for 35 years. His mother, Tamara Hext, was Miss Texas in 1984 and finished as the 4th runner-up in the Miss America pageant that same year. Hilliard is the youngest of three sons in the family.
In March 2018, Jim Hilliard was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a development that shaped the family’s outlook during the early years of Sam’s professional career. The Hilliard household blended athletics, medicine, and pageantry, providing Sam with a wide-ranging view of competitive performance from an early age.
Path to Baseball
Hilliard began his college baseball career at Navarro College before transferring to Crowder College. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 31st round of the 2014 MLB draft out of Crowder, but he chose not to sign and continued his development at Wichita State University. During his college years, Hilliard played both outfield and pitched, giving him a versatile skill set heading into the professional ranks.
After one year at Wichita State, Hilliard was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB draft. He signed with the organization, beginning a long developmental journey through the minor leagues. His path from junior college to a Division I program, and ultimately to a professional contract, reflected steady improvement and a clear commitment to reaching the major leagues.
Sam Hilliard Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
After signing with the Rockies in 2015, Hilliard made his professional debut with the Grand Junction Rockies. He spent 2016 with the Asheville Tourists, 2017 with the Lancaster JetHawks, and 2018 with the Hartford Yard Goats, progressing through the lower levels of the minor leagues. Following the 2018 season, he played in the Arizona Fall League, a traditional showcase for top organizational talent. The Rockies added him to their 40-man roster after the 2018 season, signaling their long-term interest in his development.
He began 2019 with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, where he continued refining his offensive approach. His power-hitting profile and patience at the plate positioned him as a potential outfield contributor at the major league level.
Colorado Rockies Debut and First Stint (2019–2022)
On August 27, 2019, the Rockies promoted Hilliard to the major leagues. That same night, he made his debut against the Boston Red Sox and recorded his first major league hit, a two-run home run off Josh Smith. The dramatic first at-bat home run marked the arrival of a power-hitting outfielder in the Colorado lineup.
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Hilliard hit .210 with a .272 on-base percentage and .438 slugging percentage, paired with a 36.8 percent strikeout rate. He was eventually optioned to the Rockies’ alternate training site after the team acquired Kevin Pillar. He remained with the Rockies through 2022, contributing as a corner outfielder and left-handed bat off the bench during his developmental years in the majors.
Atlanta Braves (2023)
On November 6, 2022, the Rockies traded Hilliard to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Dylan Spain. His time with Atlanta was cut short when he was placed on the injured list on July 19, 2023, with a right heel contusion. While on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, he re-injured his right heel and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on September 1, ending his season.
Colorado Rockies Second Stint and KT Wiz (2024–Present)
After his release from the Braves organization, Hilliard was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on November 1, 2023. The Rockies then reacquired him on a waiver claim on February 28, 2024. On March 21, Hilliard was designated for assignment following the acquisition of Greg Jones, and he cleared waivers before being sent outright to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on March 23.
In 65 games for Albuquerque, he batted .288 with a .374 on-base percentage, .542 slugging percentage, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. On June 21, the Rockies selected his contract, adding him to the active roster. In 58 appearances for Colorado in 2024, he slashed .239/.305/.507 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, and five stolen bases. Hilliard was designated for assignment by the Rockies on March 27, 2025, and he cleared waivers before being sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on March 31. In 40 appearances for the Isotopes, Hilliard hit .288/.372/.538 with six home runs, 24 RBI, and five stolen bases. On May 30, the Rockies selected his contract, and in 20 appearances for Colorado, he batted .196/.328/.412 with two home runs, three RBI, and two stolen bases. He was designated for assignment again on July 1, cleared waivers, and was sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on July 4. Hilliard elected free agency on October 3, and on December 3, 2025, he signed with the KT Wiz of the KBO League.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hilliard’s MLB debut on August 27, 2019, stands out as a defining early moment, when he launched a two-run home run off Josh Smith of the Boston Red Sox for his first major league hit. His 14-home run stretch with Triple-A Albuquerque in 2024 highlighted his continued power production at the upper minor league level. The signing with the KT Wiz in December 2025 marked his first professional move outside of affiliated American baseball.
Sam Hilliard Career Wins
Major League Baseball Highlights
Across his MLB career with the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves, Hilliard established himself as a left-handed power bat in the outfield. He recorded 12 home runs combined during his 2024 major league appearances, along with consistent extra-base production. His 2019 debut home run off Josh Smith remains a signature moment in his major league résumé.
Other Wins and Performances
In the minor leagues, Hilliard posted strong offensive numbers for the Albuquerque Isotopes, including a .288 batting average, 14 home runs, and 13 stolen bases in 2024. He also appeared for the Grand Junction Rockies, Asheville Tourists, Lancaster JetHawks, Hartford Yard Goats, and Gwinnett Stripers during his developmental years, gaining experience across multiple levels of professional baseball.
Sam Hilliard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hilliard comes from an accomplished and athletic family. His mother, Tamara Hext, was crowned Miss Texas in 1984 and finished as the 4th runner-up in the Miss America pageant. His father, Jim Hilliard, played football for the Texas Longhorns and built a 35-year career as an orthopedic surgeon. Sam is the youngest of three sons in the family.
Personal Life
Sam Hilliard has maintained close ties to his family throughout his professional baseball career. In March 2018, his father Jim was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an event that has shaped the family’s public awareness efforts. Hilliard’s college and professional journey took him from Texas to Kansas, and eventually to professional baseball organizations across the United States and now South Korea.
2025 Season Performance
Hilliard’s 2025 season began with a designation for assignment by the Colorado Rockies on March 27, after which he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on March 31. In 40 appearances for the Isotopes, Hilliard hit .288/.372/.538 with six home runs, 24 RBI, and five stolen bases, demonstrating his offensive consistency at the Triple-A level. His strong minor league performance led to another promotion, as the Rockies selected his contract on May 30 and added him to the active roster.
In 20 major league appearances for Colorado, he batted .196/.328/.412 with two home runs, three RBI, and two stolen bases. He was designated for assignment again on July 1, cleared waivers, and was sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on July 4. Hilliard elected free agency on October 3, closing his latest chapter with the Rockies organization. On December 3, 2025, he signed with the KT Wiz of the KBO League, opening a new international chapter in his professional career as he transitions to South Korean baseball for the 2026 season.