As a pharmacist, I realize how addicting drugs are. It usually starts innocent enough, the car accident where oxy takes away the pain and makes you feel a little euphoric. Drug addiction is also a barometer of societal health. We live in a society filled with violence and injustice. Drugs are the go to balm for many.
I can agree and disagree with that assessment, the God Saved Me shit was a little much for me, but I struggle with how to portray guys like him, he was arrogant, he never fully took full responsibility, he blamed others, I get that, but having had part of that arc in my life it took some time for me, don’t know his story as I should maybe.
Another delusional athlete who is dumb as a bag of rocks but thought he was important because he was good at a child's game. Drug addiction or not the guy was a self absorbed prick.
I remember that Home Run Derby vividly. Yankee Stadium never cheered so loud for an opposing player. That moment can never be taken away from Josh Hamilton. For one magical night, all eyes were on him.
I was deployed in Iraq during that Home Run Derby, sitting in the MWR hut in the middle of the night watching and whooping with joy at his performance. All by myself, but with thousands in the stands back home. It was electric. Wasn’t it his high school coach throwing to him? I’ll never forget that. Tragic ending to a career and a man.
I consider the Rangers a sister team to the Twins because they both were formerly the Senators (and because they're the only two AL teams named after their state — the Angels don't count because they can't seem to make up their minds what the team's name is). So, this is the first player in your Darkside series that I was aware of, watched happening, and what a tragedy it was. The spotlight is bright and harsh.
I was working for the Charleston Riverdogs, the Class A affiliate of the Rays. He would come up to the booth and we would sit in the box seats and talk about his walk up music and restaurants. He was without tattoos and had yet to drink a drop of alcohol. He was a teenager — innocent and humble. I remember during fireworks nights, he would hit tennis balls off a tee into the net behind home plate while families sat on the infield and watched the fireworks. Then, life happened and he wasn’t prepared for life’s curveballs.
As a pharmacist, I realize how addicting drugs are. It usually starts innocent enough, the car accident where oxy takes away the pain and makes you feel a little euphoric. Drug addiction is also a barometer of societal health. We live in a society filled with violence and injustice. Drugs are the go to balm for many.
I can agree and disagree with that assessment, the God Saved Me shit was a little much for me, but I struggle with how to portray guys like him, he was arrogant, he never fully took full responsibility, he blamed others, I get that, but having had part of that arc in my life it took some time for me, don’t know his story as I should maybe.
Another delusional athlete who is dumb as a bag of rocks but thought he was important because he was good at a child's game. Drug addiction or not the guy was a self absorbed prick.
I remember that Home Run Derby vividly. Yankee Stadium never cheered so loud for an opposing player. That moment can never be taken away from Josh Hamilton. For one magical night, all eyes were on him.
I was deployed in Iraq during that Home Run Derby, sitting in the MWR hut in the middle of the night watching and whooping with joy at his performance. All by myself, but with thousands in the stands back home. It was electric. Wasn’t it his high school coach throwing to him? I’ll never forget that. Tragic ending to a career and a man.
I consider the Rangers a sister team to the Twins because they both were formerly the Senators (and because they're the only two AL teams named after their state — the Angels don't count because they can't seem to make up their minds what the team's name is). So, this is the first player in your Darkside series that I was aware of, watched happening, and what a tragedy it was. The spotlight is bright and harsh.
Brewers were formerly the Pilots but it is how I look at the Braves first Boston then Milwaukee.
Great read!
I was working for the Charleston Riverdogs, the Class A affiliate of the Rays. He would come up to the booth and we would sit in the box seats and talk about his walk up music and restaurants. He was without tattoos and had yet to drink a drop of alcohol. He was a teenager — innocent and humble. I remember during fireworks nights, he would hit tennis balls off a tee into the net behind home plate while families sat on the infield and watched the fireworks. Then, life happened and he wasn’t prepared for life’s curveballs.
Not sure if you have read it but basketball player Rex Chapmans book is worth reading.
It's Hard for Me to Live with Me: A Memoir
Book by Rex Chapman and Seth Davis
I think about this man often, I’ve never met him. Thank you for sharing this piece about him.