Dave Hillman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave Hillman’s baseball career lasted eight seasons in the major leagues. He wrapped things up in 1962 as a New York Met.

Born in Dungannon, Virginia, Hillman climbed up through the minors and carved out a spot as a reliable pitcher for four different teams during baseball’s golden era.

Hillman pitched for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets between 1955 and 1962. He finished with a 21-37 record, 296 strikeouts, and a 3.87 ERA in 188 games. His story, going from a Virginia railroad town to the big leagues, really feels like that classic American baseball tale of grit and persistence.

You can see a fascinating slice of late ‘50s and early ‘60s baseball in his career. He played a part in the first inter-league trade without waivers and spent time with the expansion Mets in their very first season.

There’s more to his story than just numbers—it gives you a peek into the human side of pro baseball during a time when the sport was changing fast.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Dave Hillman started out in Dungannon, Virginia, born into a working-class family in 1927. After serving in the Air Force and working as a parts man, he caught the eye of Chicago Cubs scouts, who signed him on the last day of 1949.

Childhood and Family Background

Darius Dutton Hillman arrived on September 14, 1927, in Dungannon, Virginia, which had only 282 residents at the time. Someone supposedly named him after Darius the Great, but Dave just laughed about that in interviews.

He grew up as the fifth of seven kids born to Carmel and Ollie Peters Hillman. His dad worked as a foreman on the Clinchfield Railway, a line stretching from Spartanburg, South Carolina, up to Elkhorn City, Kentucky.

The family lived in a small, close-knit community where pretty much everyone knew everyone. The Dungannon Depot, part of his dad’s railroad, became a Virginia historical landmark in 2010.

High School Baseball and Influences

Dave went to Dungannon High School, playing both baseball and basketball. He led the basketball team as captain for three years.

After graduating in 1945, Dave joined the United States Air Force that September. He served until April 1947, which pushed back his shot at professional baseball.

Once he finished his military service, Dave married Imogene Turner in August 1947. For the next two years, he worked as a parts man in a Chevrolet garage, playing baseball on weekends just to keep his skills sharp.

Signing with the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs announced Dave’s signing on December 30, 1949, along with four other amateur players. Cubs scout Tim Murchison spotted the young pitcher and recommended him to the team.

The Cubs sent Dave to the Rock Hill Chiefs of the Class-B Tri-State League for the 1950 season. That’s where his professional career started at age 22.

He posted a 14-11 record and a 2.86 ERA in his first pro season. The next year, he became a 20-game winner (20-10, 3.13 ERA) and even tossed a perfect game against Greenville in a seven-inning matchup.

Minor League Achievements

Dave Hillman put together an impressive minor league career, especially in the Tri-State League and Pacific Coast League. He finished with an 81-61 record and a 3.33 ERA over 1,191 innings, showing real consistency.

Standout Seasons at Rock Hill

Hillman’s breakout came in 1951 with the Rock Hill Chiefs. He racked up 20 wins and 200 strikeouts, dominating the Tri-State League.

He threw a no-hitter that season, showing off his command of the strike zone.

That 1951 season put Hillman on the map as one of the league’s top pitchers. His combination of wins and strikeouts made him a big prospect in the Cubs’ system.

Rock Hill really launched his professional career. That strong year got him promoted through the Cubs’ farm teams.

Tri-State League Records

The Tri-State League gave Hillman his first real taste of pro success. His 20-win season still stands out as one of the best in the league during that era.

Hillman’s 200 strikeouts in 1951 proved he could consistently miss bats. That kind of strikeout total was rare for the league back then.

His no-hitter was the highlight of his Tri-State League days. It showed his control and stuff against pro hitters.

Hillman’s dominant 1951 season convinced Cubs scouts he was ready for tougher competition.

Pacific Coast League Success

Hillman hit his stride in the Pacific Coast League with the Los Angeles Angels. In 1956, he notched 21 wins pitching at the Triple-A level.

The Pacific Coast League was the top tier of minor league ball back then. Hillman’s success there proved he could hang with top talent.

That 21-win season in 1956 got him another call-up to the Cubs. He just kept getting better.

Pitching in the Pacific Coast League got Hillman ready for the big leagues. His time in Los Angeles showed he belonged at the highest level.

Major League Career Overview

Dave Hillman played eight seasons in the majors from 1955 to 1962. He finished with a 21-37 record and a 3.87 ERA over 624 innings.

He spent his most productive years with the Chicago Cubs.

Debut and Early Years with Chicago Cubs

Hillman made his big league debut on April 30, 1955, for the Chicago Cubs at age 27. He faced the Brooklyn Dodgers, pitching 2 innings, giving up 2 hits and 2 earned runs, and striking out 1.

His rookie year in 1955 had some ups and downs. He pitched in 25 games, started 3, and finished with a 5.31 ERA over 57.2 innings. He struck out 23 and walked 25.

He only appeared in 2 games in 1956, both as starts, but posted a 2.19 ERA in 12.1 innings.

From 1957 to 1959, Hillman had his best years with the Cubs. In 1957, he went 6-11 with a 4.35 ERA in 32 games. The next year, he improved to a 4-8 record and a 3.15 ERA in 31 games.

His peak came in 1959. Hillman pitched in 39 games, started 24, and went 8-11 with a 3.53 ERA. He threw 191 innings and struck out 88—both career highs.

Trade to Boston Red Sox

After the 1959 season, the Cubs traded Hillman to the Boston Red Sox. His first year in Boston, 1960, was tough—he struggled with control and effectiveness.

He pitched in 16 games, starting 3, and ended up with an 0-3 record and a 5.65 ERA over 36.2 innings. He struck out 14 and allowed 6 home runs.

Things turned around for Hillman in 1961. He mostly pitched in relief, making 28 appearances and just 1 start. The move to the bullpen worked for him.

Hillman put up a 3-2 record and a 2.77 ERA in 78 innings. He struck out 39 and showed much better command. Statistically, it was one of his best seasons.

Short Stints with Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets

In 1962, Hillman played for two National League teams. He started the year with the Cincinnati Reds but barely got on the mound.

He pitched just 3.2 innings over 2 games for Cincinnati, giving up 8 hits and 4 earned runs, and didn’t record a strikeout. His ERA ballooned to 9.82.

The New York Mets picked up Hillman during their first season. He appeared in 13 games, started once, and pitched 15.2 innings with a 6.32 ERA.

Hillman’s last big league game came on June 22, 1962, against the Houston Colt .45s. He pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing a hit, a walk, and an earned run. That was the end of his MLB career.

Notable MLB Games and Milestones

Hillman’s career had some memorable moments. His 1959 season with the Cubs was his best, including his only complete game shutout.

He finished with 296 strikeouts in 624 innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was 1.60—not bad for pitchers of that era.

Career Highlights:

• 8 complete games
• 1 shutout
• 3 saves
• 188 total appearances

Hillman pitched both as a starter and reliever, making him a valuable piece for his teams. He started 64 games and also worked in the bullpen as a closer and setup man.

His single-season WAR peaked at 2.3 in both 1959 and 1961, showing how effective he was during those years.

Key Seasons and Statistical Highlights

Dave Hillman’s eight-year MLB career had a standout in 1959, when he set career highs in wins and innings. Overall, he finished with 21 wins, 37 losses, a 3.87 ERA, and 296 strikeouts in 624 innings.

Breakout 1959 Season

Hillman’s best year came in 1959 with the Chicago Cubs. He won 8 games, lost 11, and posted a 3.53 ERA over 191 innings.

That season, he pitched more than ever before. Hillman appeared in 39 games, started 24, and finished 4 complete games. He even threw his only career shutout.

He struck out 88 batters in 1959, his second-highest total, and kept his walks down to 43 for a solid 2.05 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

His 1959 season produced 2.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), the best of his career. The Cubs leaned on Hillman as a workhorse starter that year.

Career ERA and Strikeouts

Hillman’s MLB career wrapped up with a 3.87 ERA over 624 innings. His best run came with the Cubs from 1957 to 1959.

His 296 career strikeouts averaged out to 4.3 per nine innings. He peaked at 88 strikeouts in 1959 and had 65 in 1958.

As Hillman’s career went on, he showed better control. His walk rate dropped from 3.9 per nine innings in 1955 to just 2.0 in 1959.

In 1958, he posted his lowest ERA at 3.15 over 125.2 innings. He finished that year with a 1.297 WHIP and 65 strikeouts.

Defining Games Against Prominent Teams

Hillman spent most of his career in the National League, facing teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers during their early years on the West Coast. His 1959 season lined up with the Dodgers’ World Series run.

He built a reputation as a reliable starter against top NL competition, putting up a 3.78 ERA over five years with the Cubs.

His short stint with the Boston Red Sox in 1960-61 had mixed results. He posted a 2.77 ERA in 1961 but struggled with a 5.65 ERA the previous year.

Hillman’s last season in 1962 included time with both the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds. He finished with a 6.98 ERA in 15 games between the two teams.

Role with 1962 New York Mets

Dave Hillman joined the expansion New York Mets in April 1962, right after starting the season with Cincinnati. He pitched in 13 games for the struggling franchise and picked up his only save as a Met before he decided to retire from professional baseball.

Joining the Expansion Team

The New York Mets bought Dave Hillman’s contract from the Cincinnati Reds on April 26, 1962. That move brought the 34-year-old righty to a brand-new expansion team.

Hillman made his Mets debut just two days later, on April 28, 1962, at the Polo Grounds. He pitched the sixth inning in what was actually a rare Mets win that year, facing the Philadelphia Phillies.

During that outing, he gave up one run, one hit, and one walk. Not exactly a perfect inning, but he got the job done.

Hillman arrived early enough to join the first wave of Mets players. The roster was a mix of aging vets and young hopefuls as the team started its first National League season.

Performance and Contributions During the 1962 Season

Hillman struggled in his short stint with the Mets, finishing with a 6.32 ERA across 15.2 innings. He allowed 11 runs over 13 appearances.

His outings were pretty inconsistent. Between May 16 and May 31, he gave up two or more runs in three out of four games. His toughest day came against the Dodgers when he allowed four runs in just one inning.

Key Statistics with 1962 Mets:

• Games: 13
• Innings Pitched: 15.2
• Earned Run Average: 6.32
• Saves: 1

Hillman’s best moment as a Met came at Wrigley Field on June 9, 1962. He picked up his only save with the team that day, and it happened to be against his old club, the Chicago Cubs.

Transition Toward Retirement

The 1962 season ended up being Hillman’s last in the majors, capping off an eight-year career. His struggles with the Mets really showed how tough it is for a pitcher in his mid-thirties to keep up.

After his final game with New York, Hillman retired from pro baseball. His career totals landed at 21 wins, 37 losses, and a 3.87 ERA over 188 games with four different teams.

Hillman’s time with the Mets was the last chapter of his playing days. He became a small part of the franchise’s early history during their first season, though his contributions were limited as his performance faded.

After retiring, he went back to Virginia. Later, he became known as the oldest living member of the 1962 New York Mets before he passed away in 2022 at age 95.

Life After Baseball

Dave Hillman switched from pro baseball to running a business back in his hometown of Kingsport, Tennessee. He became a respected community member and, for a while, held the title of oldest living member of the 1962 Mets.

Post-Retirement Career

After his MLB career ended in 1962, Hillman turned down the Mets’ offer to play in the minors. Instead, he moved back to Kingsport, Tennessee, and jumped into the retail clothing business.

He ran a clothing store in Kingsport, which gave him a stable income and kept him connected with his community for years.

That choice to leave baseball behind turned out to be a good one for his long-term stability. Unlike a lot of players from his era, he managed to carve out a new career after sports.

His business sense served him well through retirement. The store gave him both purpose and income well into his later years.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hillman lived a long life, reaching 95 before passing away on November 20, 2022, in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was born on September 14, 1927, in Dungannon, Virginia, not far from where he eventually settled.

His longevity made him stand out among former MLB players. After Yogi Berra died in 2015, Hillman became the oldest living member of the 1962 Mets.

He kept in touch with his baseball roots during retirement, sometimes giving interviews and sharing stories about his playing days.

Even though he played for four teams, people mostly remember him for being part of that historic 1962 Mets squad. With the team finishing 40-120, every player from that season wound up as a little piece of baseball history.

Recognition in Baseball History

Hillman held the title of oldest living Met, which brought him a wave of attention in his later years. Baseball historians and fans reached out, eager to hear his take on the wild expansion era.

He didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts about the 1962 Mets. In a 2008 interview, he just called the team “a joke” and pointed out that they mostly put together “old players who were over the hill.”

Key Career Statistics:

• MLB Career: 1955-1962
• Teams: Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets
• Final Game: June 22, 1962

When Hillman passed away, the 1962 Mets really lost a living link to their beginnings. Frank Thomas then stepped up as the oldest living member of that memorable expansion team at age 93.

Hillman played eight seasons in the majors, and then spent six decades finding his way after baseball. It’s kind of striking how many different directions a pro athlete’s life can go once the games are over.