TAMPA, Fla. — Left-handed reliever Tim Hill, the Yankees’ oldest pitcher at 36, remains effective despite not overpowering batters or accumulating many strikeouts. Known as a sidearmer, Hill relies on inducing groundball outs by avoiding the barrel of the bat, primarily throwing sinkers around 88 mph. Since joining the Yankees in June 2024 after being released by the White Sox and re-signing as a free agent earlier that year, Hill has proven to be one of the top left-on-left relievers in Major League Baseball.
This season, Hill has maintained a strong performance with a 2.05 ERA in 35 appearances for New York. His consistency follows a solid 2023 campaign, where he posted a 3.09 ERA over a team-high 70 games.
Insights into Tim Hill’s Personal Favorites and Background
Outside of baseball, Hill shared personal details in NJ.com’s daily spring training favorites feature. His teenage celebrity crush was Jennifer Lopez, whom he admired during his childhood. Growing up, his sports heroes were Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter, two legendary figures in baseball history.
Hill’s favorite movie is Gone in 60 Seconds, and his musical tastes include artists like J. Cole and the Wu-Tang Clan. Recalling his youth, his best little league memory involved celebrations at Shakey’s Pizza following end-of-season games. Interestingly, Hill does not follow other sports teams and rarely watches sports outside of baseball, despite his athletic past playing basketball and soccer on playgrounds.
When asked about travel preferences, Hill cites Chicago as his favorite road city and Petco Park in San Diego as his favorite ballpark in the majors. On the mound, he avoids singling out any hitter as particularly challenging, choosing instead to keep opponents’ confidence in check.
The Rule Change Hill Supports and Personal Reflections
Hill offered his perspective on a rule adjustment he would implement in Major League Baseball if he were commissioner. He advocates for mandating one day off per week for players, emphasizing the need for better rest during the demanding season.
“One day off a week. We need to get that going. That needs some traction,”
Hill said.
Other personal favorites include Christmas as his preferred holiday and Rocket Power as his favorite cartoon from childhood. His favorite childhood toys were a scooter and bike, and family vacations often involved camping and fishing near a lake north of Los Angeles. Hill also dreams of a vacation in Greece.
Additional Personal Details and Influences
His favorite school subjects were math and science, and his preferred meal is Italian cuisine. While he seldom eats fast food, Hill regards In-N-Burger as the best in its category. For sweets, he favors Sour Patch Kids and enjoys Perfect Bars as snacks. Notably, he avoids mustard and admits a lack of fondness for vegetables.
Hill enjoys watching Apple TV and spends his leisure time riding his bike. Reflecting on meaningful company for dinner, he would invite his late father, legendary quarterback Joe Montana—his dad’s favorite athlete—and comedian Dave Chappelle, blending personal tribute with broader cultural appreciation.
Series Context and Upcoming Player Spotlights
Hill’s interview is part of NJ.com’s Yankees’ favorites series, following features on Aaron Boone and Jazz Chisholm, and preceding upcoming profiles of Amed Rosario, Clarke Schmidt, Jake Bird, and Max Fried. This series offers glimpses into the personal sides of the team as they prepare for the season ahead.
Tim Hill’s steady presence on the mound and his advocacy for rest reflect both his experience and awareness of the physical demands placed on players. Should his proposed rule for a mandatory weekly day off gain support, it could signify a meaningful shift in how the sport manages player health and longevity moving forward.
