That's Josh Hamilton's first big league hit, which also happened to be his first big league home run. We've given Hamilton a lot of attention here on the FanHouse, and for good reason: the guy's story is amazing. Once considered the top prospect in the game, he was pretty much left for dead as far as baseball is concerned after battling drug addiction the past several years.
He's resurfaced in Cincinnati this spring, but he's still battling addiction -- even though he's clean now, the temptation will exist for the rest of his life. In a Baseball Prospectus article (via Andrew Johnson) talking about his fast start (did you know only four other players hit their first six home runs faster than Hamilton?), he describes what lengths he goes to deal with that temptation:
"I never carry more than $20 in my pocket ,and my wife and I only have one vehicle in Cincinnati, and she is in charge of it," Hamilton said. "That's the best way to go, because it reduces the temptations. You can't buy drugs with only $20, and I won't have the urge to drive around and possibly find trouble if I don't have the keys."He's honest with himself, and he's honest with the fans:
"One guy last night, yelled: 'I'm Josh Hamilton, and I'm a drug addict,' " Hamilton said.I can see where that fan is coming from -- Hamilton's candor about his struggles is refreshing, and it makes him that much easier to root for.
Hamilton simply shook his head, as if to say "That's right."
"I was like, 'Tell me something, I don't know, dude,' " Hamilton said. "The guy loved it. He said, 'That's awesome! You're my favorite player.' Everyone went crazy."
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hmm, he only carries $20 in his pocket? For once I have something in common with a ballplayer
As a Cincinnatian and a Reds fan, Josh Hamilton is quickly becoming a personal favorite of mine. Despite his newness to MLB, he is already an excellent ballplayer, he plays the game with a lot of hustle and he is a very humble guy. I hope he is in Cincinnati for a very long time.
Josh,
this family is rooting for you and praying for you, both in your personal battles as well as your baseball ones. A GREAT example for the younger sports players and wanna-be's when they grow up!!
So refreshing to see your honesty and open-ness. When one is humble and honest, that is when he/she is their strongest.
Never be afraid of the Truth.....it WILL set you free every time......as for the "mouthy fans"....well, just think to yourself, "get thee behind me, satan!"
and.....keep on moving......keep on going forward....and, well....hit ANOTHER homerun for "the gipper" :)
Thanks!!
Mary Irene V. and family