Former Titan Brett Pill Hits HR In First MLB At Bat

Fullerton, Calif. - Former Cal State Fullerton first baseman Brett Pill became the 110th player in Major league baseball history to hit a home run in his first major league at bat Tuesday night at Petco Park in San Diego. After six minor league seasons, Pill was getting his first bit of action since his call-up on Aug. 31, making the start at first base.

The No. 6 hitter, wearing No. 6 on his back, belted San Diego Padres hurler Wade LeBlanc's 0-1 pitch off the Western Metal Supply Company building down the left field line. The first swing of his career produced a pair of runs to give the Giants a short-lived 2-0 lead.

Pill is the third player in 2011 to touch them all in their first at bat. He joins Tampa Bay's Brandon Guyer (Virginia) and Washington's Tom Milone (USC) - all three coming from the college ranks.

The Covina-native is not the only former Titan to hit a home run in his first big league at bat. Recent National College Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and five-time MLB All-Star third baseman Tim Wallach (with CSF 1978-79) did it in 1980 for the Montreal Expos, exactly 31 years ago to the day. Wallach hit his off Giants' hurler Phil Natsu. In addition, Andre David (with CSF 1979-80) hit the only home run of his MLB career in his first at bat, June 29, 1984, while with Minnesota. He hit his only four-bagger off Jack Morris of the eventual World Series champion Detroit Tigers.

Pill is the first Giants player since Will Clark in 1986 to accomplish the feat. Clark hit his off Nolan Ryan.

The right-handed hitting slugger is no stranger to home runs. He hit 25 with AAA Fresno this season and has hit more than 16 home runs in each of the last three seasons in the minor leagues.

Pill, who turns 27 this week, got the ball back from a Padres employee after it was thrown back into the stands by left fielder Kyle Blanks.

Pill was a Titan from 2004-2006 and helped Fullerton to two College World Series appearances and a national championship in 2004.