Rich Hill’s fiery personality and temperament was lauded by the Los Angeles Dodgers since being traded to the team, but that type of personality may have worked against him over the weekend as he and his wife, Caitlin, were arrested at Gillett Stadium.
The Hills were on hand to watch the New England Patriots face the Buffalo Bills in a game that decided the AFC East division. However, they didn’t catch the Patriots extend their NFL record streak to 11 consecutive AFC East titles due to being arrested.
It was a result of Caitlin attempting to gain entry into Gillett Stadium at multiple gates despite being told her bag did not comply with policies. Hill intervened as cops went to arrest her, and both faced charges that were later reduced to civil infractions.
Hill explained what was behind his actions while also noting his high opinion of law enforcement officials, via John R. Ellement of The Boston Globe:
Hill, in a statement, said “Despite Saturday’s events, my great respect for law enforcement remains unchanged.”
“However, seeing my wife handcuffed for a problem that started because of her fanny pack was extremely difficult for me to witness,” he said. “This was all overblown and we are glad to have it behind us.”
The Hills each paid a fine but aren’t expected to face any additional punishment over the unfortunate but relatively mild incident.
Hill recently was voted the winner of the 2019 Tony Conigliaro Award. It’s presented each year to a “Major Leaguer who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination, and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.”
Voting was conducted by an 18-person committee headed by Boston Red Sox team historian Gordon Edes and including team officials, media members, MLB executives, fan representatives, and Conigliaro’s brothers, Richie and Billy.
The Tony Conigliaro Award has been given every year since 1990 in memory of the former Red Sox outfielder, whose career was shortened when he was hit by a pitch in 1967. Conigliaro passed away in 1990 at the age of 45.
“I’m really humbled and honored by this award and honestly a little thrown by it,” Hill said in a statement. “Having grown up here, I am very familiar with Tony C.’s story, so this means a lot to me and my family.”
The award will be presented at the 81st annual Boston Baseball Writers’ dinner on Jan. 16, 2020.
As for matters on the field, Hill is hopeful to sign with a World Series contender. However, the 39-year-old won’t be ready to pitch until the middle of next season as he recovers from a “primary revision” surgery that attached a torn portion of his UCL to the elbow.
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