Josh Hamilton the Baseball Player

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“I'll never forget Opening Day in Cincinnati. When they called my name during introductions and a sellout crowd stood and cheered, I looked into the stands and saw Katie and our two kids, Sierra who's nearly 2, and my 6-year-old stepdaughter, Julia, and my parents and Katie's parents. I had to swallow hard to keep from breaking down right there. They were all crying, but I had to at least try to keep it together”(Tim Keown). This is a reaction that nearly passed by All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers. Josh Hamilton grew up knowing and loving only two things in his life, his family and baseball. With a steady head throughout high school Hamilton earned success on the baseball diamond. Attaining such honors as being named Baseball America’s High School Player of the Year, USA Baseball’s Amateur Player of the Year, and twice chosen as North Carolinas Gatorade High School Player of the Year (Josh Hamilton).

"I guess not going No. 1 wouldn't have totally destroyed me, but there's prestige going No. 1, and I'm certainly happy to be No. 1.” Said Hamilton after being drafted number one overall on June 2, 1999 in Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft (My Josh!). Things would soon become more daunting for the young 18 year old. After a Spring Training game in 2000 Hamilton and his parents were involved in an automobile accident. His parents departed for Raleigh soon after to recover, yet Hamilton was left alone to rehab on his own. “I'd been the Devil Rays' No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft, supposedly a five-tool prospect. I was a big, strong man, and I was supposed to be able to handle my problems myself” (Tim Keown). Imagine having to stay away from the one thing that brings you enjoyment for an extended amount o...

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Hamilton, Josh. "Josh Hamilton - I am second." Interview. Youtube.com. 22 Jan. 2009 .

Hamilton, Josh. "Josh Hamilton." Interview. Youtube.com. 22 Jan. 2009 .

"Josh Hamilton Larry King Live." Interview with Larry King. Youtube.com. 22 Jan. 2009 .

"Josh Hamilton." Player Info. MLB. 22 Jan. 2009 .

"My Josh." Sports Illustrated 2 June 1999. 22 Jan. 2009 .

Ray, James L. "Josh Hamilton comes back to life." Suite101.com. 3 June 2008. 22 Jan. 2009 .

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