Hammers Bring Back Brill

QUINCY, MA. (AP)—The Big Hurt is back in the Neck—and it’s as if he never left.

The McInnis Carpentry Hammers agreed to terms Thursday with designated hitter Rich Brill, released last weekend by Dee Dees Pub after getting frustrated with his lack of playing time.

He will be the team’s new backup designated hitter, just as he was while a catalyst in Post 380's 1995 playoff run and second place finish that year. Brill received a warm reception when introduced to the media at the Manet Bar & Grill. Bobby Miller shouted from his stool at the bar, “Welcome back you @#*&%!”

Brill, with his larger-than-life personality and 5-foot-8, 237-pound frame, will be back in the black and orange and wearing No. 00. He began his second stint in with the Hammers/Manet/Legion sporting that big grin that’s such a part of him.
“It feels nice to be back with these guys,” Brill said. “It’s great to be back. I’m ready to go. This is where I want to be.”

The deal came together in a matter of hours Wednesday after Brill cleared waivers. Things were finalized in the early evening, and Brill had about an 15 minutes to get to the Manet and sign his contract.

“Bottom line, this was a risk worth taking,” team owner Steve McInnis said. “He's in fantastic shape. Obviously we had a great run with him in the past and he was a great influence on the club. It would be foolish on our part not to consider it.”

To clear roster room, the Hammers placed outfielder Dan Loring on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19 with shin splints and transferred six-time Gold Glove third baseman Scott Logan to the 60-day disabled list.

“He has a presence to him,” Hammers outfielder John Gray said of Brill. “Somebody of his background with his accomplishments and someone of his size, when he’s on the field it has a powerful feel to it.”

Brill previously fit in well in the laid-back Hammers clubhouse. Gray and McInnis both have said they would welcome Brill.
“He’s an experienced guy,” Gray said. “That can only help out, and he’s another right-handed bat. I’m excited to play with a guy like that.”

McInnis and Brill have played with each other for years.

“Rich Brill is a great player—one of the best club house guys we ever had,” said McInnis, who went 1-4 in the Hammers 13-12 opening day win Tuesday night.

Brill left Cagney's/Post 380 after the 2000 season, playing in pick-up games and various Sunday leagues throughout the Greater Boston/South Shore Area. He had hoped to stay put in Houghs Neck but couldn’t turn down the oppoutunity for more playing time with other teams . “I love it here. I didn’t want to leave,” Brill said. “I’m here to provide a spark.”

Brill remade himself with The Legion in the early to mid '90's. In 1994, he batted .418 with 17 RBIs in 13 games. In 1995, his best season, Brill played in all 20 games to help the Legion to a 15-5 second place finish. He batted a career-high .515 with 22 RBI and 2 HR's.

Now, he hopes to retire with his old team.

“I hope so,” Brill said. “That’d be great.”