Is Josh Hamilton Wonderboy?
In the recent rule V draft, Josh Hamilton was made available to any of the major league teams.
The Reds took a shot on him and plan to give Josh Hamilton a legitimate shot to make it.
Just like a movie the Natural, Josh Hamilton is a baseball prodigy who has his promising career sidetracked, and attempts to return to baseall later in life.
The left hand slugger from Raleigh, NC was the top overall pick in the yearly free agent draft in 1999. The baseball community had tabbed him as a future superstar when the Devil Rays drafted him instead of taking Josh Beckett with the overall top pick.
His career got off to a good start where he posted over a 900 OPS in the low level A ball which resulted to a promotion to Hudson Valley. The following year his bat did not dissapoint where he again terrorized minor league pitching, but that would be the most at bats he would get at 391 at bats. From this point on, he was plagued with an injury on the field, a car accident in Tampa in 2001 that injured his back, and it seemed like it would difficult for him just to get back on the field. But, that was before the cocaine drug addiction took place where he was suspended from the game since 2003 until last year when he was finally reinstated.
At the age of 25, he is not the 35 year old player the Robert Redford played in that incredible movie the Natural. However, what Josh has been through just to get to this point sure parallels the story.
Filed under: American League, National League, Reds
The Question is? So are you ready to take Hamilton in your fantasy baseball league?
like dude, who is steel city. you play fantasy baseball?
Yes, NL only keeper league with minor leaguers
Given that Hamilton is several years removed from competitive ball (except for a remarkable second tour of duty to Hudson Valley last year before going down with a bad knee), it will be quite a long shot for him to stick unless he can really shake the rust off. However, if there is room on the roster for a live bat what a find this will be for Reds. The Ball takes off in the new Reds stadium. The bottom line is he has to find a way to stay healthy. That is more of a risk factor than his talent. I would draft him if he was available, but how much I would pay for him would be minimal as he would have to make significant strides to be a factor in fantasy statistics. Remember, most at bats he has to date is 391.
I have watched and talked to Josh the last week at spring training, he is doing an amazing job of dealing with everything. Not to mention the two 500ft. blasts on back to back pitches yesterday in batting practice. He is so good with the kids, and signed every autograph for about twenty mins. I for one am pulling for him.
I’ve been pulling for the guy since he was drafted out of Athens High. This really is first spring for him that he ever had a legitimate chance of making the big club because of injuries and the drug problem. I think he will surprise if he stays healthy.
Great posts and all true. I met Josh and his family in 1999 when he was just drafted. I hung with them for 2 days when HV was playing at SI. His folks told me all about his high school career and how Catfish Hunter used to comes to some games at his games. They were nice people and Josh was as gracious a kid as you could ever meet. He took time to talk and sign for all fans and messed around with my young son. It’s sad that he got messed up and took the wrong path. I went to HV this summer to see him play and spoke to him before and after the game. I didn’t discuss his parents because I don’t know if he speaks to them. I did tell him a story that back in “99″ when Josh was playing with my kid he said to me how great it must be to take my 4 yr old son to a game. Since Josh has 2 kids of his own now I told him what he told me and he gave me this big smile when I mentioned his kids. I told him the kids are what it’s all about. He agreed and seemed humbled and happy for a 2nd chance. I want Josh Hamilton “the person” to succeed in life first and if Josh Hamilton the baseball player get a shot that will be the icing on the cake…. I just hope fans don’t put to much pressure on Josh, you have to remember he really hasn’t played in 4 years. I can tell you that Josh loves baseball and the ball flies off his bat, Cinncy is a great spot for him. Also the Narron family knows Josh from his High school days so that will help. I wish Josh and his family good luck in life and if God lets him baseball also…….
Thanks,
Dave S. from Staten Island
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Josh is now 14 Games deep into spring traing with the reds. As a reds fan I am very excited to have him in camp and hitting a team leading .487. I know its only spring training, but we have high hopes that Josh can gives us a turbo charged version of what we lost with Austin Kearns.
Go Josh
It seems that Josh has done just about everything to show he can be a productive if given the chance. Hope that Reds do the right thing and realize the void with Kearns gone.
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If there is any question in your mind at this point, you haven’t been paying attention. Hamilton has 3 HRs in 18 ABs. He has looked good at the plate, demonstrating quick hands and great strength.
Rookie of the Year honors are his for the taking.
Let’s hope he doesn’t relapse…
What a great story this guy is! Aside from what he’s been through, after it all, he’s in the majors, crushing the ball to boot! Not to mention 14 points in my fantasy league, and it’s only wednesday. Keep it up Josh!
Unbelievable! You can’t make this stuff up! 4 HR’s?????? The kid really hasn’t played in 4 years. I hope he keeps his life in order because he has the makings of something special. Keep it up Josh!
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This was a ESPN chatroom question answered by Steve Phillps.
Mike (Lexington, KY): How impressed have you been with how well Josh Hamilton has not only played but handled the attention? Is he a good candidate for ROY and (possibly) All-Star?
Steve Phillips: The Josh Hamilton story is an amazing, unbelievable, remarkable story. There are not enough adjectives to describe how amazing it truly is. It doesn’t happen that a kid signed out of high school can play 15 games in single A over four years, and then jump right to the majors and be successful. Before we start tallying the All-Star or ROY votes, let’s see how he makes adjustments as the league adjusts to him. I believe he’s only 1-14 against left-handed pitching, which is an area that he may continue to struggle. No matter what the numbers are, Hamilton said it best when he was asked what would make 2007 a successful year. His response was ‘It’s already a successful year’. I think he can handle the pressure of the full season, as long as the Reds continue to surround him with the proper support group. 162 games can take a toll on any healthy young man, let alone a man overcoming significant odds. Thoughts and prayers are with Hamilton, that he may have continued success both on and off the field
thats good he has it right now. because this spring he was singing the tune that reds and rays would work out a deal that would allow reds to put josh in minors. I was surprised by Steve Philips initial comments when Hamilton was tearing cover off the ball in Florida.
Yes, I agree. Phillips prior comments were saying it would be bad for baseball that Josh messed up for 3 years and got rewarded by possibly being in the bigs for the season. He said it would set a bad example. I think he finally did his research and sees that Hamilton is really a nice kid who went down the wrong path. I’m glad he’s straightening out his life and also happy that he could play the game he loves…..
#6 tonight!!!!!!!!!
[...] Is Josh Hamilton Wonderboy? links of the [...]
Josh Hamilton is the ideal baseball player, but most of them can’t overcome drug addiction and steroids, but he was one to pull through. He is a great player and definitely deserves Rookie of the Year. Too bad he just sprained his wrist in the on-deck circle. I’m a teenager and I like watching the rookies each year. He is something special and it shows by the way he plays. I think that considering all he’s been through, that makes him work harder and appreciate life more. This has made him a better baseball player and a better person. Go Josh, we’re behind you 100%
Good job Libby, well said! Josh is a example of a regular nice kid getting caught up doing bad things. It can happen to anyone. Although this will be a lifelong test for Josh ,with the help of family and friends and his faith he is getting himself back on the right track. Josh knows he must follow the right path and he will because he loves his wife and children. Him doing a great job on the field is simply a amazing story considering what he’s been through. Josh has admitted he made mistakes and is very happy to get a 2nd chance. Lets hope he can continue and be a example to everyone who has been down the wrong path before. I’m sure Josh is happy to have fans like you supporting him Libby!!!!!
be good,
Dave from New York
Law of Attraction
Law of Attraction
[...] WonderBoy 2008 In being the first overall pick in the major league draft over 10 years ago, Josh Hamilton was pegged to be the cog that the Tampa Bay Rays hoped to build their organization around. His life went in turmoil due to a serious drug problem that got him kicked out of baseball and a return to baseball was seriously in doubt. Down on his luck, now with a wife and a family he somehow managed to get his act together. It was then baseball ended Josh’s drug suspension, and allowed him back for one last try. In minor league play, he showed that despite being away from competition all these years, the talent still remained. The Reds gave him a shot and he did not dissapoint and it turned into the feel good story : Is Josh Hamilton Wonderboy? [...]
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