Josh Hamilton from a much younger time in his life. He fought off his drug addiction in his early 20’s, to become one of the best players in the game from 2008 – 2012. Following a recent list of injuries and personal battles, he has suffered a relapse in his addiction. Hamilton met with the MLB yesterday in New York, and has reportedly admitted to at least using cocaine.

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In the first two months of 2012 Josh Hamilton was putting up historic numbers and was on his way to a Cooperstown resume.  I even wrote a column on how he was the best baseball player on the planet.

I had evidence to support my statement.  In his 1st 47 Games, the man had 21 HRs and 57 RBI, while batting nearly .400, with an OPS that neared 1.200.  Included in those impressive totals was a 4 HR game at Camden Yards.

During my 30 MLB Park streak the 1st 4 weeks of the season, I saw Hamilton play four games.  He clubbed 3 HRs and added 3 doubles in his AB during the games I witnessed, and he hit one jack at Target Field that may have not landed yet.  This man was pistol hot. I had no doubt he would continue to post Hall Of Fame credentials in that  season, and for many years to come.

Right after that he quit chewing tobacco, and has been plagued with problems since.  He has left the Texas Rangers, been hurt and underperformed since signing with the Angels.  Read the rest of this entry →