J Hamilton is inspirational

[lovethegame]

So far has set his demons aside and is on a record setting pace
Congrats and keep it up

[tyberesk]

im glad he is clean...and finally the player everyone thought he would be when tampa bay drafted him

[hellborn]

It's incredible to read his story and see that he was Mr. Squeaky Clean until he was sidelined by an injury and was on his own without much to do for the first time. I'm glad that he's fought to get his life back and realizes how fortunate he is, and wonder how much he could have accomplished in baseball by now if not for some unlucky turns of fate.
He's playing like a reasonable imitation of Mantle right now...power that turns heads, good speed, good CFer. I'm waiting for the 565 foot HR...
Mantle was incredible despite his demons, I hope that Josh ends up being incredible because he's conquered them.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Hamilton has to be one of the most naturally talented ballplayers in the last 25-30 years. He gets drafted, gets messed by drugs, misses several seasons of development in the minors, then reaches the majors in '07. I'm not sure people may understand how incredible that is. A player's development years from 18-24 as so crucial to a ballplayer's future success. Yet, Hamilton basically missed most of that and today he's one of the best players in the American League. Wow. :faint:

[The Splendid Splinter]

Hamilton has to be one of the most naturally talented ballplayers in the last 25-30 years. He gets drafted, gets messed by drugs, misses several seasons of development in the minors, then reaches the majors in '07. I'm not sure people may understand how incredible that is. A player's development years from 18-24 as so crucial to a ballplayer's future success. Yet, Hamilton basically missed most of that and today he's one of the best players in the American League. Wow. :faint:


Don't forget when he went to the majors in '07... He went there with practically no experience in minors (I think he only had like 15 games in the minors total or is that 15 games above A???). Either way that makes it even more impressive. That's like drafting someone this year and they get a Sept. call up at the end of the season.

This would make a great movie about his life. Oh wait... we got one kinda like it- The Natural.

[Zito75]

More power to him! I've live with a loved one who's been battling addiction the past few years, so I know first hand how hard it is. I can't imagine all the temptation Josh must see everyday.

[Old Sweater]

Hope he stays clean and has all the sucess in the world but I'm still more impressed by any MLB player that took the clean road and decides to remain there.

[Athletic Domination]

He's playing like a reasonable imitation of Mantle right now...power that turns heads, good speed, good CFer. I'm waiting for the 565 foot HR...Mantle was incredible despite his demons, I hope that Josh ends up being incredible because he's conquered them.

I say this all the time, he is the Mick re-incarnated, literally. If the Mick got hurt and was left on his own in the early 00's with $4M he would have done the exact same thing.

[Utility07]

I dont get how its so inspiration. Maybe I am a glass half empty kind of guy, but this guy pissed away several years of good baseball, because he had to get his next hit.

[dl4060]

I dont get how its so inspiration.

Some people are inspired by stories of those who make mistakes and are able to come back.



Maybe I am a glass half empty kind of guy, but this guy pissed away several years of good baseball, because he had to get his next hit.


Yes, he did piss away several years, but I am happy that he has righted his ship. Would I rather he have never gone off course in the first place? That goes without saying, and I'm sure Josh feels the same way.

Not a particularly attractive character trait, being a glass half empty/jealous of those with more than you type.

[lovethegame]

I dont get how its so inspiration. Maybe I am a glass half empty kind of guy, but this guy pissed away several years of good baseball, because he had to get his next hit.

Because he got himself together , saw his fork in the road and decided to be everything he was capable of rather then being a "victim" and ending up ruined

[hellborn]

Hope he stays clean and has all the sucess in the world but I'm still more impressed by any MLB player that took the clean road and decides to remain there.

Yeah, OS, all the best to Josh, but we should appreciate the guys who have done it right all the way. It's like the story of the prodigal son...the good son is upset because the father is celebrating the return of the son who made terrible mistakes and ignoring the one who lived right. The father tells the good son that they are celebrating because his brother was lost and has found himself, and the good son will be rewarded the a full inheritance he deserves...but, you can still see why the good son was upset.
One reason I love Stan Musial and bring him up a lot here is because he's a guy who always did everything right...didn't marry movie stars and models, get divorced over and over, fight with teammates and fans, blow people off because he was too good for them, etc. Just played great ball and was a fantastic teammate and man. Does he have an equivalent today? Helton, Derrek Lee, Lance Berkman...I don't know, ideas, anybody?

[lovethegame]

Many guys ,Sam McDowell, Doc Gooden, Straw, and the great Mantle ,imo, "pissed away " opportunities by fooling themselves that
they could overcome thier shortcomings
Me, I like a guy that doesn't whine just does his thing and comes through
Yeah I know Mantle is hallowed but he was also a self admitted alcoholic during his prime
Ever wonder how many ribbies or dingers he may have hit when he was not bleary eayed?

[machinehead11]

Yes, Hamilton did waste some years. But not only is he making up for them now, but it is a known fact that he doesn't take anything for granted. He signs autographs before practically every game for quite some time, and he's very gracious toward the fans. You can tell that he's determined not to mess things up this time around. You might not like the path he has taken, but you can't dispute that he's doing everything in his power to make things right, not only for himself, but for the fans as well.

[cardsfanatic]

I'm happy for Josh Hamilton and it's great he got his life back on track. However, I don't find it all that impressive or inspirational. I find guys like David Eckstein more impressive and inspirational, honestly. Guys that took the right paths, did the right things, overcame the fact they weren't as big and stong as other's and never gave into temptation and let their careers be ruined by drugs and alchohol. I understand Eckstein was never "great" and was more or less an average to slightly below average player his entire career. But the guy overcame obstacles that were NOT self imposed, like Hamilton, and he didn't self-destruct. To me, that's more inspirational and impressive. Hamilton is a feel good story of redemption but I'm not inspired by his life story and I'm not impressed by the path he's taken.

I am happy for him, though. I think that's where some of the people in this thread are coming from, too. We're not knocking the guy or rooting against him.

[Rpollard86]

Josh Hamilton is a class act. He went through some rough times like a lot of people do and he's turned the corner and is on a good track. He is awesome with the fans before and after games all the time. I'm lucky enough to live in Tampa and have gotten to see him play quite a few times and got his auto last week when the Rangers were in town. Goodluck to this guy and hope he stays clean and enjoys a wonderful career in baseball.

[StanTheMan]

Hamilton's performance is impressive, but it is not inspirational in the least.

"Son, if you become a drug addict and get fired... you too can come back and be the best!"

Meh.... I'll look elsewhere for inspiration.

[digglahhh]

Hamilton's performance is impressive, but it is not inspirational in the least.

"Son, if you become a drug addict and get fired... you too can come back and be the best!"

Meh.... I'll look elsewhere for inspiration.

It all depends on the message you take from the story. Inspiration is, to a substantial degree, individual. So, it's in the eye of the beholder whether the self-imposed aspect of Hamilton's story mitigates the overcoming obstacles and adversity part.

Needless to say, people heavily tie their opinions here to whether they feel drug use is a moral issue. Personally, I don't think drug use has any inherent connection to morality, so I'm going to be more forgiving than others. I think it is important to remember that regardless of your opinions on drug use, once use becomes addiction, you are now dealing with a sickness. At that point, it is not a question of whether he would rather play baseball or smoke crack, there's really no A vs. B decision making process.

[StanTheMan]

It all depends on the message you take from the story. Inspiration is, to a substantial degree, individual. So, it's in the eye of the beholder whether the self-imposed aspect of Hamilton's story mitigates the overcoming obstacles and adversity part.

Needless to say, people heavily tie their opinions here to whether they feel drug use is a moral issue. Personally, I don't think drug use has any inherent connection to morality, so I'm going to be more forgiving than others.

Agree completely, I just reside on the other side of the argument, but with a little thought, I can see why others might agree with the above sentiment.

I'm starting to see a connection between morality/drug use and PED use/everybody else was doing it. That's painting with a bit of a broad brush, but I'm thinking most of us are firmly on one side of the fence or the other on BOTH issues.

Those seeing Hamilton as not inspirational at all are probably against PED use in all non prescription forms, and those who are inspired by Hamilton's incredible life journey would have a tendency to forgive and possibly forget alltogether, PED use in many forms.... no?

Can someone abhor what Hamilton has done, but have no problem with Bonds', or vice versa? Probably not.

[digglahhh]

Agree completely, I just reside on the other side of the argument, but with a little thought, I can see why others might agree with the above sentiment.

I'm starting to see a connection between morality/drug use and PED use/everybody else was doing it. That's painting with a bit of a broad brush, but I'm thinking most of us are firmly on one side of the fence or the other on BOTH issues.

Those seeing Hamilton as not inspirational at all are probably against PED use in all non prescription forms, and those who are inspired by Hamilton's incredible life journey would have a tendency to forgive and possibly forget alltogether, PED use in many forms.... no?

Can someone abhor what Hamilton has done, but have no problem with Bonds', or vice versa? Probably not.

The vice versa version is an easier set of positions to hold simultaneously.

In my opinion, recreational drug use is not a moral issue, but cheating is. The extent to which I object to PED use is tied to the undermining of the spirit of fair competition. The fact that the players are using foreign, and illegal (at least in manner of procurement) substances doesn't really play into it.

[slugger33]

He used drugs and now he is clean. Yes very nice story indeed. Tell your kids about it.

[StanTheMan]

He used drugs and now he is clean. Yes very nice story indeed. Tell your kids about it.

No way in he11 I ever utter those words to my kids. Sorry.

[digglahhh]

No way in he11 I ever utter those words to my kids. Sorry.

I think he was being sarcastic, and actually agreeing with you.

I'm going to refrain from getting into a protracted and emphatic discussion about how drugs (legal and illegal) should be treated during discussions with children. I'm only going to ask why noting the following is some sort of dangerous message:

Josh Hamilton made mistakes, but eventually owned up to them, and through discipline and perseverance, he put those mistakes behind him and recaptured some of the glory that he had almost thrown away. He has to live with those mistakes daily, and doesn't live his live normally as a result of them (he doesn't go out to eat with the team at bars, etc.). Mistakes have real, and sometimes dire, consequences, but even large mistakes can be overcome.

[StanTheMan]

I think he was being sarcastic, and actually agreeing with you. [/I]

You think so? Not how I took it. If so, sorry Slugger!

My son can admire Hamilton for his baseball ability, his work ethic, how he handles himself in interviews, treats his teammates, and perhaps his skills handling fans if he ever meets him or gets an autograph, etc.

But he does not look at baseball players for inspiration or for "role models" in the traditional sense. He has plenty of relatives for that, and teachers, coaches, friends, friends of the family, etc.

That is all I am getting at.

[digglahhh]

You think so? Not how I took it. If so, sorry Slugger!

My son can admire Hamilton for his baseball ability, his work ethic, how he handles himself in interviews, treats his teammates, and perhaps his skills handling fans if he ever meets him or gets an autograph, etc.

But he does not look at baseball players for inspiration or for "role models" in the traditional sense. He has plenty of relatives for that, and teachers, coaches, friends, friends of the family, etc.

That is all I am getting at.

Okay. Got it. And, I agree. But, to pick nits, nobody claimed that Hamilton should be a role model, that his path, transgressions included, should be emulated. Personally, I admire and derive inspiration from many individuals who also posses egregious flaws. As you acknowledge, it doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. It seems like some people here are treating it as such.

[slugger33]

You think so? Not how I took it. If so, sorry Slugger!

My son can admire Hamilton for his baseball ability, his work ethic, how he handles himself in interviews, treats his teammates, and perhaps his skills handling fans if he ever meets him or gets an autograph, etc.

But he does not look at baseball players for inspiration or for "role models" in the traditional sense. He has plenty of relatives for that, and teachers, coaches, friends, friends of the family, etc.

That is all I am getting at.
Yes, I was being sarcastic. Hamilton is a good player, but his story isn't as good as people make it out to be.

[hudsonharden]

It is a lot like the prodigal son story. You've got to give credit to the guys who have done it right their whole careers; however, I am undoubtedly the "prodigal son" in my family, so I can relate to him in a lot of ways when it comes to overcoming some very difficult demons. He's one of the players I will follow his entire career.

[sturg1dj]

I think Hamilton is inspirational to other drug addicts and to people who feel like the world should write off drug users completely where he shows them that drug addicts can make something of themselves if they clean up their acts.

On the other hand he is not an inspiration to me personally. And not to be totally cynical, but it shows that if you have million dollar talent than someone will take a chance on you no matter what you do. See Steve Howe.


and once again let me add....I am happy for Hamilton and I hope he stays clean.

[Duck]

Very uplifting to see his full potential showing. I remember when it was between his and Beckett for the first pick of the 99 draft.

[lovethegame]

too many guys throw in the towel and become what might have beens, he so far is going to make a solid niche

[G.Costanza]

I think Hamilton is inspirational to other drug addicts and to people who feel like the world should write off drug users completely where he shows them that drug addicts can make something of themselves if they clean up their acts.

On the other hand he is not an inspiration to me personally. And not to be totally cynical, but it shows that if you have million dollar talent than someone will take a chance on you no matter what you do. See Steve Howe.


and once again let me add....I am happy for Hamilton and I hope he stays clean.Agreed.....You said my sentiments exactly.

[blacksilverfan12]

It depends on who's he inspiring. He could be an inspiration to other drug addicts. It is a great story

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

Inspirational or not it is still a great story. Any time someone choose to turn away from life of drugs and other poor choices is reason enough to celebrate, let alone the fact that that He is playing incredibly well.

[hellborn]

Josh still has a long row to hoe. Howe is a great example of somebody who could never stay straight and got way too many chances at the ML level. Darrell Porter seemed to have cocaine kicked, but then died at age 50 from using a toxic amount. I want to believe that Josh's support network, convictions, and religious beliefs will triumph in the end, but so many people have been beaten by this particular monster.
Right now, I see Josh's story as telling us to very careful about choices, especially in the face of newfound freedoms, and to not give up on ourselves and to strive to achieve no matter what. I'm sure most of us knew people who were not outwardly weak or bad who messed up bigtime when they first started calling their own shots...one friend of mine fell off a bridge and drowned while on LSD during his freshman year in college, and another came within a hair of blowing a promising medical career due to drink and weed while in med school. If Josh prospers, I think that it's reasonable to call him an inspiration, maybe not a role model...if he relapses, he'll look like just another warning.