Watched the entire Hamilton saga with deep sorrow and regret.
Because I didn’t know Josh, my perspective was that of millions of American boys who dreamt of making it to The Show, but who lacked the talent of a Mike Piazza or the killer instinct of, say, a Lenny Dykstra.
With each Hamilton comeback, I longed for no further setbacks. With each setback I feared for his life. He had it all and lost it all a dozen times.
Talk about pain.
I was most disappointed in the Angels organization’s handling of Hamilton. They were imprudent (my recollection) in “supervising” Josh, particularly on the road. As a SoCA resident, I’d hoped the Angels had hit a homer in the Hamilton acquisition. Sadly, no.
Hoping that Josh is well now. I believe his Faith is real. That means he’s not alone. For that I’m thankful.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
I think about this man often, I’ve never met him. Thank you for sharing this piece about him.
Watched the entire Hamilton saga with deep sorrow and regret.
Because I didn’t know Josh, my perspective was that of millions of American boys who dreamt of making it to The Show, but who lacked the talent of a Mike Piazza or the killer instinct of, say, a Lenny Dykstra.
With each Hamilton comeback, I longed for no further setbacks. With each setback I feared for his life. He had it all and lost it all a dozen times.
Talk about pain.
I was most disappointed in the Angels organization’s handling of Hamilton. They were imprudent (my recollection) in “supervising” Josh, particularly on the road. As a SoCA resident, I’d hoped the Angels had hit a homer in the Hamilton acquisition. Sadly, no.
Hoping that Josh is well now. I believe his Faith is real. That means he’s not alone. For that I’m thankful.
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 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.
Great read!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.