Josh Hamilton's Power Display

I think every sports fan knows the story of the Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton. For those who don't, let's recap...

Hamilton was a number 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999. He played a couple of years in the Rays' Minor League system before being suspended several times for violating baseball's drug policy. From 2002-2006 he played virtually no baseball while his drug addiction was spiraling out of control. Homeless, hungry, and hopeless, he showed up on his grandmother's door step promising her that he would never do drugs again. The Rays didn't protect Hamilton for the Rule 5 draft and he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in 2006. He was then sold to the Cincinnati Reds. Rule 5 picks are required to be on the Major League roster the entire season in order for the team to retain a players rights. He made the team and didn't disappoint.

He finished his first big league season hitting .292 with 19 HRs and 47 RBIs in 90 games. During the winter the Reds traded him to the Rangers for pitchers Edinson Volquez (2008 NL All-Star) and Danny Herrera. That brings us to this season.

Hamilton had a monster first half of 2008, as he is among the leaders in homeruns and RBIs at the All-Star break, earning him a starting spot on the American League team (as voted by the fans). He was also selected to participate in the first and last Homerun Derby at Yankee Stadium. He put on a show, hitting 28 homeruns in the first round alone, bringing players from both All-Star teams to their feet. It was a tremendous display and a great moment for a former cocaine addict who was at the low of lows in his life just a few years back. You couldn't help but root for the guy. It was a moment that will go down as one of the greatest in the history of Yankee Stadium.

Hamilton's comeback has been a tremendous one and a great story. He has gotten such praise and admiration for kicking his drug addiction, which is well deserved. He admits he still has a hard time. He doesn't eat with his teammates, doesn't go out with them. He carries less than $10 with him at all times. He has said temptation is always there. I hate to be cynical, but his story is not over yet. He is still a recovering addict, and as a lot of people will tell you, you will always be a recovering addict for the rest of your life. What will be impressive is, that as time passes, he remains sober. He has so much to live for...a beautiful wife and kids, his faith, a promising baseball career, and that promise to his grandmother. I think as long as relies on all those factors, he will succeed. He has become a very humble and likable guy and has so much support from fellow players and fans. Let's cheer not only Josh Hamilton the player, but Josh Hamilton the person. He needs everyone's support to remain clean and sober. Let's hope and pray this story continues to write itself in a positive way.