Albert Hall, a former Atlanta Braves outfielder who made franchise history in 1987, died December 16, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 67.
Hall played for the Braves from 1981 through 1988, appearing in 375 games during his major league career. He finished his time in professional baseball with 20 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1989.
On September 23, 1987, Hall became the first Atlanta Braves player in over 70 years to hit for the cycle, collecting a single, double, triple, and home run in a 5-4 game against the Houston Astros. The feat marked the first cycle for the franchise since 1910. Hall scored the winning run on a wild pitch to complete the historic performance.
“Former Atlanta outfielder Albert Hall died this past Tuesday at the age of 67,” Bill Shanks posted on social media Friday. “Many may remember when Albert hit for the cycle on September 23, 1987, in Atlanta against the Astros. It was the first time in 70 seasons a Brave had hit for the cycle and the first time in Atlanta’s history.”
The 1987 season represented Hall’s best year in the major leagues. He appeared in 92 games that season, batting .284 with 33 stolen bases, 3 home runs, and 24 RBIs. His performance that year helped solidify his place in Braves history.
Throughout his major league career, Hall posted a .251 batting average across his 375 games. He compiled 67 stolen bases, 5 home runs, and 53 RBIs during his time at the highest level of professional baseball.
Hall’s professional baseball journey began when the Braves drafted him in the sixth round of the 1977 MLB Draft. A product of Jones Valley High School in Birmingham, Hall made his major league debut on September 12, 1981.
Before reaching the major leagues, Hall established himself as one of the most prolific base stealers in minor league baseball. Over 946 minor league games, he stole 455 bases while posting a .282 batting average. His speed and aggressive baserunning became his calling card throughout his professional career.
Hall spent eight seasons with the Braves organization at the major league level, becoming a fan favorite during the 1980s. His versatility as an outfielder and his ability to impact games with his speed made him a valuable asset to Atlanta teams throughout the decade.
Following his brief stint with Pittsburgh in 1989, Hall’s major league playing career came to a close. However, his historic cycle remained a memorable achievement in the Braves’ franchise history.
Hall’s legacy extends beyond his statistical accomplishments. His moment of glory on that September evening in 1987 represented a breakthrough for the franchise, providing a memorable highlight for fans who would later witness the team’s rise to dominance in the 1990s.
“That 1987 season was Hall’s best as a big leaguer,” Shanks wrote. “God Bless Albert Hall.”
Hall’s professional baseball career spanned more than a decade, including his extensive time in the minor leagues. From his debut in the Braves system in 1977 through his final season in 1989, he remained dedicated to the sport that made him a part of franchise history.
The Birmingham native’s connection to his hometown remained strong throughout his life. His path from Jones Valley High School to the major leagues represented a journey that inspired young athletes in Alabama for years to come.
Hall’s death marks the loss of a player who achieved a rare distinction in baseball history. Hitting for the cycle requires a combination of skill, timing, and opportunity that few players ever experience. His accomplishment on September 23, 1987, ensured his name would forever be remembered in Atlanta Braves history.
A funeral service for Hall was held on Monday, December 22, at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Birmingham.