| Joe Hills | |
| Country: | England |
| Fullname: | Joseph John Hills |
| Birth Date: | 14 October 1897 |
| Birth Place: | Plumstead, London, England |
| Death Place: | Westbourne, Bournemouth, Hampshire, England |
| Batting: | Right-handed |
| Role: | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| Club1: | Glamorgan |
| Year1: | 1926 - 1931 |
| Columns: | 1 |
| Column1: | First-class |
| Matches1: | 107 |
| Runs1: | 3474 |
| Bat Avg1: | 21.57 |
| 100S/50S1: | 7/12 |
| Top Score1: | 166 |
| Hidedeliveries: | true |
| Catches/Stumpings1: | 95/4 |
| Date: | 11 April |
| Year: | 2021 |
| Source: | https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/joe-hills-14194 Cricinfo |
Joseph John Hills (14 October 1897 — 21 September 1969) was an English first-class cricketer, Test match umpire and professional footballer.
Born in London in 1897, Hills served in World War I with the Royal Engineers and was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery as a cabler and telegraphist during the Battle of Amiens.[1] [2]
Hills played professional football as a goalkeeper, moving to Wales when he was signed by Cardiff City in 1924.[3] He also played for Swansea Town and Fulham before a serious injury to his right arm in 1927 ended his career.[1]
Hills played 107 cricket matches for Glamorgan and Wales between 1926 and 1931. A wicket keeper and right-handed batsman, he took 95 catches, completed four stumpings, and scored 3474 runs at an average of 21.57 with a top score of 166 among his seven centuries. In 1929 he shared an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership of 203 with Johnnie Clay which is still a county record; at one stage they added 150 runs in 65 minutes.[1] [4] Glamorgan did not renew his contract after the 1931 season owing to the club's financial difficulties.[1]
Hills became an umpire, standing in 286 first-class matches between 1937 and 1956. He umpired the England v South Africa Test at Leeds in 1947.[5] He died in Hampshire in 1969.[6]