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.
In 1994 when he was a rookie with San Diego, Hamilton ranked fifth in the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting for the National League. Following the 1998 season, San Diego dealt Hamilton to the Toronto Blue Jays.