Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Albert Hall died Tuesday, December 16, in Birmingham, Alabama, at age 67. Hall played for the Atlanta Braves from 1981 through 1988, appearing in 375 games during his career with the franchise. The speedy outfielder posted a .251 batting average across his major league career, accumulating 67 stolen bases, five home runs and 53 RBIs.
His finest season came in 1987, when Hall batted .284 in 92 games and recorded 33 stolen bases. That same year produced the most memorable moment of his professional career.
On September 23, 1987, Hall became the first Atlanta Braves player to hit for the cycle during a game against the Houston Astros. The Braves defeated the Astros 5-4 in the historic contest. Hall’s achievement marked the first cycle hit by a Braves player since Bill Collins accomplished the feat for the Boston Braves on October 6, 1910.
“Albert Hall was one of the fastest players in baseball during his era,” said a former teammate. “When he got on base, you knew something exciting was about to happen.”
The cycle would remain a rare occurrence in franchise history. Mark Kotsay became the second Atlanta player to hit for the cycle on August 14, 2008, more than two decades after Hall’s performance.
Hall’s path to the major leagues began at Jones Valley High School in his hometown of Birmingham. The Braves selected him in the sixth round of the 1977 MLB Draft, recognizing his exceptional speed and switch-hitting abilities.
He made his MLB debut on September 12, 1981, launching what would become an eight-season tenure with Atlanta. After his time with the Braves concluded, Hall played 20 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1989, his final season in the major leagues.
Before reaching the big leagues, Hall established himself as one of the minor leagues’ most prolific base stealers. He appeared in 946 minor league games throughout his professional career, amassing 455 stolen bases. In 1980, Hall stole 100 bases for the Durham Bulls, demonstrating the blazing speed that would become his trademark.
“He was a pure speedster who could change a game with his legs,” a scout recalled. “That 100-steal season in Durham showed everyone what he was capable of.”
Hall’s 1987 season represented the peak of his major league production. Beyond his career-best batting average, he posted solid numbers across multiple categories, showcasing his value as an everyday player during that campaign.
Throughout his time with Atlanta, Hall provided speed and versatility in the outfield. His stolen base totals in the majors, combined with his minor league achievements, gave him 522 stolen bases across his professional baseball career.
The Birmingham native spent his entire Braves tenure during a transitional period for the franchise, playing through much of the 1980s before the team’s emergence as a National League powerhouse in the following decade.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Birmingham, providing an opportunity for family, friends and former teammates to remember the outfielder who left an indelible mark on Braves history.
Hall’s cycle in 1987 remains one of the rarest achievements in baseball. Hitting for the cycle requires a player to record a single, double, triple and home run in the same game, a combination of power and speed that few players possess.
The 77-year gap between cycles in Braves franchise history underscored the difficulty of the accomplishment. From Collins’ cycle in 1910 through Hall’s performance in 1987, no Braves player matched the feat, whether in Boston, Milwaukee or Atlanta.
Hall’s professional journey from high school standout to major league player reflected the traditional player development pathway of his era. Drafted in 1977, he spent four years refining his skills in the minor leagues before earning his September call-up in 1981.
His career statistics tell the story of a player valued primarily for his speed and defensive abilities. While his power numbers remained modest, with just five career home runs, Hall’s ability to steal bases and cover ground in the outfield made him a valuable asset during his eight seasons in Atlanta.
The 1987 campaign showcased Hall at his best, combining solid contact hitting with his trademark speed. His 33 stolen bases that season represented nearly half of his career total in the majors, demonstrating his impact when given regular playing time.
Hall’s passing at 67 marks the loss of a player who, despite never achieving stardom, secured a permanent place in Braves franchise history through his 1987 cycle. His achievement remains a highlight in the team’s record books, a testament to a career defined by speed, determination and one unforgettable September evening in Atlanta.
