Josh Hamilton Homers

What a long strange trip it's been for Josh Hamilton. After his three plus year layoff (most of which was a suspension for drug use) that ended last season with a stint in the New York Penn League, his subsequent selection in the Rule 5 draft by the Cubs, trade to the Reds, and scorching hot spring that ended with him making the Reds 25-man roster, Josh Hamilton got his first big league start last night in Arizona. And for his first major league hit, he homered. Here's what Hamilton had to say:

"I hit off the end of the bat," Hamilton said. "I thought it was going to be a routine fly to right field. Then I saw the guy turn his back."It was pretty cool." ...

"I didn't realize that I was trotting for a home run until I touched second base," he said. "It happened so fast. I didn't take my time. But that's the way I always do."

Hamilton got the usual reception in the dugout for a first home run. Everyone ignored him initially.

"I've been a part of those," he said. "I've been on the bench. It took me a second to realize what was going on. I thought, I hit a home run. Shake my hand.'"

His teammates finally did, giving him the congratulations he deserved. It was Hamilton's first home run since June 29, 2002. He hit that one for Bakersfield in the Single-A game in San Jose.

The Diamondbacks actually won the game but, and I don't really intend any disrespect to the D'Backs, that's not what anyone's going to remember about this one.

Previously at the Fanhouse
Josh Hamilton Is Putting His Career Back Together
Josh Hamilton Rebuilt Shoeless Joe's House
Josh Hamilton, Ken Griffey and the Reds Outfield
Josh Hamilton is Still Cocky
Let the Josh Hamilton Watch Begin