Whether you are familiar with Josh Hamilton’s harrowing life story or not, I’m sure we can all agree that being added to the SLP list is probably the highlight of his rejuvenated career.
You can read some warm and fuzzy stuff about it here and here. The basic story is that Hamilton rated a $3 mil signing bonus in 1999, when the Devil Rays plucked him in the draft. He gave most of that to drug dealers, and then rehab clinics. He was kicked out of baseball for repeat violations of the substance abuse policy but managed to somehow overcome the three years of self-destruction to make the Reds roster this year.
I’m not quite ready to get warm and fuzzy about a recovering drug addict, especially one who was sober for eight months before his most recent relapse just one year ago. Who knows how “the show” will turn his head? But for now, he’s back on the field and playing well, pounding his first Major League homer last night. So we’re going with the feel-good comeback story for now.
I believe in redemption, but I’m wary about complacency in recovery. Staying clean is a lifelong job, and this is a new phase of his career will bring new temptations for Mr. Hamilton. I wish him well, and hope he’s still on the leaderboard come autumn. One thing’s for sure, I’d rather have a guy who appreciates how lucky he is (Hamilton) than someone who won’t admit his problems with drugs and wants his ass kissed every time he steps in the batter’s box (Barry Bonds).
I’ll fire up the spreadsheet tonight and Mr. Hamilton will make his first appearance on the leaderboard. Congratulations, Josh!
[...] We have some cautious optimism for Josh Hamilton, and I share the sentiment: here’s hoping he makes the most of his opportunity this time around. He doesn’t need to be a 3rd Millenium (sounds so much cooler than 21st century, eh?) version of Darryl Strawberry. [Extrapolater] [...]