Josh Hamilton Swings A Big Hammer for Rangers

If you don’t know who the Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton is, just take a look at his arm.  He spells it out for you in really bad ink.  Hambino.

Hamilton was the first overall pick in the 1999 MLB Draft by the Tampa Rays.  He then developed a drug problem after a wicked car accident.  Watch the video if you’re into that type of thing.

He made several comebacks and that’s where the story gets wild.  He made his MLB debut in 2007, eight years after being drafted, and was a solid player for the Reds.  In the offseason he was shipped to the Rangers for Daniel Ray Herrera and Edinson Volquez.  What a trade for the Rangers.

Hamilton tore up 2008.   He was named to the AL All-Star Team and set a record bashing 28 home runs in the first round.  Hamilton picked 71-year old Clay Counsil to pitch to him in the HR Derby, Counsil used to throw to Hamilton when he was a kid in North Carolina.

This announcer rocks.  Enjoy.

As you probably read, Hamilton had a very public relapse that was broke by Deadspin and then followed up months later when Hamilton discussed it in this MLB article.  

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After that awful, injury plagued 2009 season, Hamilton has been swinging the big Ham bone once again in 2010.  Fortunately, for the Pirates he was given the night off last night.

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Could you imagine what that final score might have been if Hamilton would have played?  Thank you Ron Washington.  Thank you.