Hamilton Richardson

Hamilton Richardson
(Hot Shot Hammy)

• Born in St. Maarten Netherlands Antilles

Biographical Information

Hamilton Richardson was a long-time star in Dutch baseball. Richardson tried out with the Chicago White Sox in 1957 but failed to get an offer (some sources mistakenly list him as playing in the ChiSox chain for two years). He was MVP of Hoofdklasse six times (1963, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1974) while playing for Sparta in 22 seasons. Richardson led the league in hitting 7 times in Holland, including 5 times with an average over .400. His four consecutive batting titles are a record. He won a Triple Crown in 1963. He formed the "magnificent three" with Simon Arrindell and Hudson John.

He appeared 60 times for the Dutch national team. He was the MVP of the 1965 European Championship and 1973 European Championship and was named to the All-Star outfield in the 1970 Amateur World Series. He also played in the 1973 Amateur World Series. In the 1969 European Championship, he hit the most home runs. He was named the Dutch MVP in the 1963 Haarlem Baseball Week and 1966 Haarlem Baseball Week. After retiring as a player, Richardson coached and managed for the national team from 1978-1985 and coached Neptunus from 1985-1987. He also managed the Spanish national team in 1983.

After retiring, Richardson became Director of Sports & Recreation Affairs for St. Maarten. Richardson has worked with the Detroit Tigers during spring training and been involved in hurricane relief efforts in 1995 and 1999.

Richardson was elected to the Dutch Baseball Hall of Fame and also was named a Knight of the Order of Oranje-Nassau.

Sources

• Baseball in Europe by Josh Chetwynd
• Honkbalsite.com
• St. Maarten Daily Herald