well that sucks.
If you get a kill with the ball it counts, it didn't used to but the last time my Sandman leveled up it was from a ball kill.
Also should I paint my Genuine Killer Exclusive with team spirit?
No. Ye Olde Rustic Colour, while already close to the hat's default color, looks quite nice I found. Unfortunately I had to sell mine to afford the Lightbulb Launcher.
Fixed that for you.
Is that supposed to be a joke?