As a rookie with San Diego in 1994 he finished fifth in the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting for the National League. Following the 1998 season, San Diego traded Hamilton to the Toronto Blue Jays.
As an inexperienced player in San Diego during 1994, Hamilton came in fifth place in the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting for the National League. After the 1998 season, San Diego transferred Hamilton to the Toronto Blue Jays.