Josh Hamilton

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

He has been taken off baseball's restricted list. Any chance he could have any impact on the Rays in this year?
- Your thoughts please

[tonypug]

He has been taken off baseball's restricted list. Any chance he could have any impact on the Rays in this year?
- Your thoughts please
Taking him off the restricted list is just a procedural thing. He is still under indefinite suspension by MLB. Once he is eligible to play,it will probably take at least a year in the minors to clean the rust off, and prove he can stay clean. What a waste of talent. You never know whats going to happen when you make an 18 year old a millionaire, without him earning it.

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

That is really unfortunate, I really think he's not going to ever change his act. I wish him all the best.

[KingJ]

Ricky Williams of baseball?

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

I can't dissagree.;)

[tonypug]

It was reported that Hamilton was put on waivers, which was the reason for the Rays taking him off the restricted list. No one claimed him, today the Rays sent him outright to their Durham farm team, to make room on th 40 man roster. Chances are he will never be heard from again. A real shame. Hopefully he can put his life back in order.

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

Thank you for the update.:atthepc Gosh, that's sad.

[VTSoxFan]

I don't remember what he did that got him put on the restricted list. Can someone fill me in? Please, thanks!

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I think he took steroids, but don't take my word.

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

He took steroids and most other things as well.;)

[Jake83]

He took steroids and most other things as well.;)


He was suspended for herion use nothing to do with steroids. He is a natural baseball player so he should be heard of again if he wants to be. According to Tampa he is still in their mix last I heard which was end of last year before he was suspended.

[raysnbran]

He is suspended through the 2006 season, and by then he will be 27 years old, and will have not played ball at any level since 2002. I think we can all say that his personal problems have made him one of the all time bust draft picks in baseball history. At this point, he just needs to become a productive member of society and take care of his young baby by getting a job. Forget baseball, because you are no longer a prospect, you are a might have been that hopefully has not blown all of your bonus money, because that will be the last big payday you will ever have through baseball.... :waving

[RaysFan]

The Rays just need to get rid of him outright. I do hope he gets his head straight one of these days. A chance at major league stardom, many millions of dollars, right down the drain.

[RedSoxFan4Life]

To me this is one of the most disappointing stories in baseball. Hamilton could have been one of the greatest players of his time, he had tremendous power and just all around natural ability. I would absolutely love it if he could make it in the majors, but he's getting older and while he has been working out and trying to stay in shape (last I heard), I really think his time has passed. Doesn't he have a younger brother as well?

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

I'd love to see him turn it around and make it to the bigs, but most likely he would only be a shadow of what he could have been. As stated before,now he needs to just become a productive member of society.

[tonypug]

In a story in todays ST. Pete Times, Hamilton says he has been clean for the past six weeks, thats it six weeks. He has a lot of work to do , and I don't mean baseball.

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

6 WEEKS !?!?! :grouchy

Josh ,Josh, Josh...:ughh :confused: :ughh

[tonypug]

6 WEEKS !?!?! :grouchy

Josh ,Josh, Josh...:ughh :confused: :ughh
Last year they ran a story about how Josh got married to a ministers daughter, had a baby and was turning his life around. This year finds him divorced, living alone and trying to turn his life around. What a shame. Forget about baseball, he needs to get help, obviously what he has been doing, isn't working.

[FedEx]

It is definetly about much more than baseball for Hamilton, like others have said, he needs to get his complete life in order before he worries about the baseball aspect of it. A real castoff and troubled individual?

Not positive, but is he related to NFL/AFL QB Joe Hamilton?

[tonypug]

It is definetly about much more than baseball for Hamilton, like others have said, he needs to get his complete life in order before he worries about the baseball aspect of it. A real castoff and troubled individual?

Not positive, but is he related to NFL/AFL QB Joe Hamilton?
No, they are not related.

[tonypug]

Finally some good news on Josh Hamilton. He is working at a baseball school in Clearwater, Florida. The school is run by former minor league manager and coach Roy Silver and former Blue Jays trainer Randy Holland. The newspaper article in the St. Pete Times said Hamilton is just a regular employee and has a chance to workout.

[Tinyballer]

Thats good hopefully he can turn himself around and use some of that talent that many fans wish they had.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Not positive, but is he related to NFL/AFL QB Joe Hamilton?

Joe Hamilton happens to be black and Josh Hamilton is white.

But, it is good to see him getting back on track with his life. If all turns well hopefully baseball will follow suit.

[brooklynboy]

Anybody know how old Josh is???

:hp

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Josh Hamilton is 24 years old. BTW, check out how many 1st round picks from 1999 didn't make the majors: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/1999draft.shtml

[brooklynboy]

24.....Now that's a shame.....

:(

[tonypug]

24.....Now that's a shame.....

:(
But, its also young enough, that if he tuly has turned his life around he can still have a decent career. The main thing is that he regains his life.

[kramer_47]

But, its also young enough, that if he tuly has turned his life around he can still have a decent career. The main thing is that he regains his life.

I surely hope he has turned his life around, I read years ago where his family went to every minor league town with him now I know why they didn't trust him, he was signed in 1999 and is still a troubled young man. He has wasted alot of great talents in the 7 years since he was signed, I think he is a lost cause, it is amazing that Tampa Bay has stuck with him.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

If Bobby Jenks turned his life around after alcohol abuse then Josh Hamilton can too.

[handyman11]

I saw Josh play a number of times during his first year in the Minors , when he was brought up to the Hudson Valley Renegades ... also remember the grounds crews at the Tampa Bay minor league complex tell me , when I was playing in a baseball tourney there a few years back , that Josh used to hit balls off the big black screen in center field ( 410 feet ) like it was nothing ....he was the natural , and looked like the all- american boy ..... I still cannot believe how things turned around ....yes , his parents did follow him around the first few years , but I don't think it was to keep an eye on him ....but I think it hurt him later on , when they were'nt around all the time ....either way , it must be devastating for them , and I hope he does'nt look back years from now and realize what could have been ...

[Athens Drive Bball 05]

I've seen Josh play a number of times, I remember when I was 10 years old our All-Star team saw him play. I've also had the pleasure of working out with him on numerous occasions. If you can't tell by my name I go to Josh's former high school, I am currently the starting shortstop. Josh is an extremely amazing player still, which I can defiently see why the D-Rays, are keeping with him. It's not ever day when you see a man that hasn't played in over 3 years hit balls 450 opposite field in BP. Also, throw off a mound in our alumni game around 92-95 after not pitching since high school.

Josh is still a great guy, everytime I see him he always gives me a big pat on the back and jokes and shows respect to everyone. For people that might not remember, Josh was just about to be moved up until he and his mother were hit by a drunk driver when he was 20, it took them 3 hours to get them both out of the car, and then his back started hurting. And thats when all this happend. I know that he has messed up, and he knows that too, I just wish that Josh can just get his life straightened out, and hopefully get back on the field, but if he can't then as long as he lives his life without this problem.

Wish him the best...
Z-Hut # 5...

[tonypug]

I've seen Josh play a number of times, I remember when I was 10 years old our All-Star team saw him play. I've also had the pleasure of working out with him on numerous occasions. If you can't tell by my name I go to Josh's former high school, I am currently the starting shortstop. Josh is an extremely amazing player still, which I can defiently see why the D-Rays, are keeping with him. It's not ever day when you see a man that hasn't played in over 3 years hit balls 450 opposite field in BP. Also, throw off a mound in our alumni game around 92-95 after not pitching since high school.

Josh is still a great guy, everytime I see him he always gives me a big pat on the back and jokes and shows respect to everyone. For people that might not remember, Josh was just about to be moved up until he and his mother were hit by a drunk driver when he was 20, it took them 3 hours to get them both out of the car, and then his back started hurting. And thats when all this happend. I know that he has messed up, and he knows that too, I just wish that Josh can just get his life straightened out, and hopefully get back on the field, but if he can't then as long as he lives his life without this problem.

Wish him the best...
Z-Hut # 5...
The main thing is for him to get his life straightened out, baseball is secondary. You point something out that many of us forget, the car accident he and his mom were in. Up until that point everything seemed to be going well.

[colbycole]

If Josh Hamilton somehow did come back, it wouldn't be with the Devil Rays anyway. They have a ton of outfielders right now, they have so many that they have one at DH, and one at third base when healthy(Huff), yet there isn't enough room for a prospect like Delmon Young to get a chance yet.

Plus, as good as he is he has wasted 7 years of his career. I don't think he will be heard of anytime soon.

Is he still working with Winning Inning though?

[Mike Corona]

This kid isn't done. His future is still entirely in his own hands. He was dealt a tough hand and struggled through some hard times with a few bad decisions, but his future, as a person AND as a ballplayer, is far from decided.

He's still young enough (at 24), and certainly talented enough (power & speed with a cannon), to make it to the bigs and be one hell of a comeback story. I'm rooting all out for him to get it all straightened out.

And I think he could make it with the Rays. In a year or two when he's ready, there's no telling what the Rays will look like. It will likely depend on how good he is, if he is able to get back on track. I'm definitely pulling for the kid.

[tonypug]

This kid isn't done. His future is still entirely in his own hands. He was dealt a tough hand and struggled through some hard times with a few bad decisions, but his future, as a person AND as a ballplayer, is far from decided.

He's still young enough (at 24), and certainly talented enough (power & speed with a cannon), to make it to the bigs and be one hell of a comeback story. I'm rooting all out for him to get it all straightened out.

And I think he could make it with the Rays. In a year or two when he's ready, there's no telling what the Rays will look like. It will likely depend on how good he is, if he is able to get back on track. I'm definitely pulling for the kid.
A lot of people are pulling for him. Not just for him to get his playing career back, but to get his life back in order. The main focus for him right now, is to not have any more lapses.

[Athens Drive Bball 05]

Josh, I hope he gets back up... as I understand after talking to him last week, he is 2 weeks in NC, and 2 weeks in Floridia. He is spending time with his kids up here in NC.

I saw him last week at Wendy's eating 3 Triple Cheeseburgers, ha ha... he said he wasn't that hungry though. He always has been great to me, and the rest of our team.

If he does somehow get back to playing, in my mind there is no question he could play... I mean last fall, we were taking BP, he was just running things down in our outfield, with ease, and then throwing home about 5 feet off the ground the ball coming home. I mean if anything I think he was clocked at 94 mph in our alumni game after not pitching since Senior year in High School.

Then he had to show us up by hitting a ball of a tee out to dead center, which is 385, so I think he could definetly get back if he just gets clean and healthy, and seems like he's doing the right thing working at the center, and helping with the groundscrew at Tropicana Field.

However, I just wish he could get a shot soon, maybe some time this year, if he can I think he could make it hopefully. Or if anything just get his life back in order.

[tonypug]

Josh, I hope he gets back up... as I understand after talking to him last week, he is 2 weeks in NC, and 2 weeks in Floridia. He is spending time with his kids up here in NC.

I saw him last week at Wendy's eating 3 Triple Cheeseburgers, ha ha... he said he wasn't that hungry though. He always has been great to me, and the rest of our team.

If he does somehow get back to playing, in my mind there is no question he could play... I mean last fall, we were taking BP, he was just running things down in our outfield, with ease, and then throwing home about 5 feet off the ground the ball coming home. I mean if anything I think he was clocked at 94 mph in our alumni game after not pitching since Senior year in High School.

Then he had to show us up by hitting a ball of a tee out to dead center, which is 385, so I think he could definetly get back if he just gets clean and healthy, and seems like he's doing the right thing working at the center, and helping with the groundscrew at Tropicana Field.

However, I just wish he could get a shot soon, maybe some time this year, if he can I think he could make it hopefully. Or if anything just get his life back in order.
MLB is going to be very cautious in reinstating him early. He has had so many setbacks after starting clean.Josh Hamilton at 75% of what he was when he signed would still be a very good ball player.

[BFaymous]

This kid isn't done. His future is still entirely in his own hands. He was dealt a tough hand and struggled through some hard times with a few bad decisions, but his future, as a person AND as a ballplayer, is far from decided.

He's still young enough (at 24), and certainly talented enough (power & speed with a cannon), to make it to the bigs and be one hell of a comeback story. I'm rooting all out for him to get it all straightened out.

And I think he could make it with the Rays. In a year or two when he's ready, there's no telling what the Rays will look like. It will likely depend on how good he is, if he is able to get back on track. I'm definitely pulling for the kid.

exactly! thats why he should get his **** together and come play for the sox! but seriously, i'd hate to see all that tallent go to complete waste. still time to come back

[Athens Drive Bball 05]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/261564.html

Baseball had announced today that Josh is now allowed to particiapate in Extended Spring Training... I think thats great...

I recommend read the article in the link I present. I'm just glad he is getting the chance...

[tonypug]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/261564.html

Baseball had announced today that Josh is now allowed to particiapate in Extended Spring Training... I think thats great...

I recommend read the article in the link I present. I'm just glad he is getting the chance...
Thanks for the update, that is great news. I look forward to the press conference. I will try to get over and see Josh in extended spring training.

[tonypug]

Thanks for the update, that is great news. I look forward to the press conference. I will try to get over and see Josh in extended spring training.
Well Josh Hamilton met the press today and handled himself well. Then he worked out at the Namoli Complex, took some batting practice and showed despite the long layoff, he is still a tremendous talent.And to think just a few months ago every other team in MLB declined the opportunity to pick up Hamilton on waivers, which allowed the Rays to remove him from the 40 man roster and still retain rights to him.The Josh Hamilton that met the press today seemed to be a much more mature person. Hopefully today started the reserection of his baseball career, and that he is able to keep his life in order.

[Jake83]

Thanks for the information supposed to be the next Mickey Mantle (Unlike the bullshite given about JD Drew by Boras) Like I said in the past a natural baseball player I will bet an avater that he will be either in the Majors in September or out of baseball for good. A Boom or Bust chance on Hamilton

[starkeeper]

According to what I heard on the Blue Jay Broadcast last night, Hamilton is a self confessed cocaine addict who claims to have been clean for the last 7 months. I really hope he has turned himself around.

[tonypug]

According to what I heard on the Blue Jay Broadcast last night, Hamilton is a self confessed cocaine addict who claims to have been clean for the last 7 months. I really hope he has turned himself around.
He has admitted to using cocaone and has been getting drug tested by MLB. If Mlb is starting the re-instatement procedure, he at least for now is doing the right thing.

[sec39fan]

i hope he gets back and baseball and becomes the player he was suppose to become, he's one of the 18 players to fail to make the bigs from that 1st round in 1999

[Athens Drive Bball 05]

Josh has admitted, and yes he seems to be doing better...

He has now taken part of some workouts, and BP with the Spring Training team. He has hit 12 balls out and some over 500 feet. If you read an this link you might get a new perspective on him. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/devilrays/2006-06-06-hamilton-cover_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA

Some of this has shocked me... Just to think I saw him 2 months before him, before he ended up at his grandmothers house.

He is a really great guy to talk to and get to know, I know I'm rooting for Josh, because he has always treated me great.

Hope he can start with A ball next week when they are supposed to reinstate him.

[tonypug]

Josh has admitted, and yes he seems to be doing better...

He has now taken part of some workouts, and BP with the Spring Training team. He has hit 12 balls out and some over 500 feet. If you read an this link you might get a new perspective on him. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/devilrays/2006-06-06-hamilton-cover_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA

Some of this has shocked me... Just to think I saw him 2 months before him, before he ended up at his grandmothers house.

He is a really great guy to talk to and get to know, I know I'm rooting for Josh, because he has always treated me great.

Hope he can start with A ball next week when they are supposed to reinstate him.Sometimes you have to lose something, before you realize how badly you want it.

[raysnbran]

Josh begins his comeback tonight for the Hudson Valley Renegades playing the Brooklyn Cyclones at KeySpan Park in Coney Island NY. He will be the DH, and will gradually work his way back into the OF. He had an adventure getting there for NC, as he missed a flight, another flight was delayed, his luggage (including all his bats and equipment) were lost, he had to borrow size 16 spikes and wedge his size 19 feet into them etc...but this time he sounds like he is finally ready to work to fulfill all the promise he had in 1999.

Getting married, adopting her little girl, having a child of their own, all seems to have finally made him grow up and accept responsibility for his actions. Good luck, Josh, we're pulling for you! :clapping

[tonypug]

Josh begins his comeback tonight for the Hudson Valley Renegades playing the Brooklyn Cyclones at KeySpan Park in Coney Island NY. He will be the DH, and will gradually work his way back into the OF. He had an adventure getting there for NC, as he missed a flight, another flight was delayed, his luggage (including all his bats and equipment) were lost, he had to borrow size 16 spikes and wedge his size 19 feet into them etc...but this time he sounds like he is finally ready to work to fulfill all the promise he had in 1999.

Getting married, adopting her little girl, having a child of their own, all seems to have finally made him grow up and accept responsibility for his actions. Good luck, Josh, we're pulling for you! :clapping
The Cyclones games can be heard over the internet. We all are pulling for Hamilton in baseball and in life.

[Athens Drive Bball 05]

Congrats Josh... I always knew he could do it, and eventually come back and play... The best part is he got a standing ovation from the crowd... I think everywhere he goes he should get this type of treatment... I know he won't but it would be nice to see if he could... And also getting a double and scoring one of the 2 runs the Renegades got... congrats Josh... Best of luck to him, and can't wait to play against him in our alumni game now...

[tonypug]

Congrats Josh... I always knew he could do it, and eventually come back and play... The best part is he got a standing ovation from the crowd... I think everywhere he goes he should get this type of treatment... I know he won't but it would be nice to see if he could... And also getting a double and scoring one of the 2 runs the Renegades got... congrats Josh... Best of luck to him, and can't wait to play against him in our alumni game now...
That was a big first step. The St. Pete Times had a nice story on Josh in todays paper.

[tonypug]

It appears that Josh Hamiltons season is over due to a knee injury. Hamilton said he was disappointed, but considering where he was last year at this time he is very happy with things.

[raysnbran]

It appears that Josh Hamiltons season is over due to a knee injury. Hamilton said he was disappointed, but considering where he was last year at this time he is very happy with things.

It will be interesting to see if he can recover from the surgery after being on the painkillers. That's what began his downward spiral the last time, after the car accident he was in with his parents in spring training.

[tonypug]

It will be interesting to see if he can recover from the surgery after being on the painkillers. That's what began his downward spiral the last time, after the car accident he was in with his parents in spring training.
It's funny I was thinking the same thing. This will be a trial by fire for him.

[Athens Drive Bball 05]

Last week before his surgery, he was a lot happier than I have seen him before. He was bummed about the surgery because it made him cancel his season. But he was happy about playing again. He was at our alumni game... and he said it was a recurring injury that he suffered earlier, but now he is hoping this surgery clears it up, and then he can play this winter probably in St. Petersburg or somewhere in Florida...

The surgery went successful with no ligaments, or tendon damage... so hopefully we'll see him in spring training next year.

[tonypug]

Last week before his surgery, he was a lot happier than I have seen him before. He was bummed about the surgery because it made him cancel his season. But he was happy about playing again. He was at our alumni game... and he said it was a recurring injury that he suffered earlier, but now he is hoping this surgery clears it up, and then he can play this winter probably in St. Petersburg or somewhere in Florida...

The surgery went successful with no ligaments, or tendon damage... so hopefully we'll see him in spring training next year.
Thanks for keeping us updated on Josh. Please let us know how he is coming along during his rehab.

[lrbell]

Wow!
Around the time Josh took a nose dive personally, I did too.
I came out of mine about a year ago, and it appears he is too.

Batting 26x with double digit HRs in the bigs!

I once attended church with Josh when he was 20 (2001). He held my then 4 month old daughter, and he had a soft face.
I am so glad he is doing well.

:-)

[tonypug]

So far Josh has made the most of his second chance. I hope you continue to do well also.

[RedSoxFan4Life]

To me this is one of the most disappointing stories in baseball. Hamilton could have been one of the greatest players of his time, he had tremendous power and just all around natural ability. I would absolutely love it if he could make it in the majors, but he's getting older and while he has been working out and trying to stay in shape (last I heard), I really think his time has passed. Doesn't he have a younger brother as well?
Wow, blew that one...