Josh Hamilton Leading the Rangers Surprise Season
Not much was expected out of the Texas Rangers at the start of the season. However, all that has changed now thanks to players like Josh Hamilton.
The story of Hamilton is pretty amazing. The outfielder was not expected to accomplish much in his career just a few seasons ago. At the age of 29, he has survived years of battling alcohol and drug addictions. His career revival reflects what the Rangers are accomplishing this season, as the team is now among the league favourites to win the World Series.
Hamilton is not only eying a championship, but he also faces the possibility of winning the Triple Crown. If he were to win it, he’d be the first player to win the award since Carl Yastrzemski won it in 1967. Hamilton has admitted that he dreams of winning the Triple Crown, which can only be earned by leading the league in batting average, home runs and RBIs, however, his goals are more geared towards his team’s success
“Going to the World Series is a lot more important to me," he said. "But you have to believe someone will win one again somewhere down the line. Just because it hasn't happened in almost 50 years doesn't mean it can't be done anymore. You have to stay out of slumps, obviously. You need some luck and no injuries, too. I have confidence I can do those things, but what I really want is a championship."
The Rangers are facing bankruptcy issues, but that has not stopped the team from making huge acquisitions. This past offseason, Vladimir Guerrero signed with Texas to add some power to an offence that already includes Michael Young, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz.
Texas also made a splash before the trading deadline as they recently traded for left-handed ace pitcher Cliff Lee.
The Rangers are among the only three active teams that have never reached a World Series along with Seattle and Washington and they are determined to reach new levels of success.
Hamilton, the American League Player of the Month for June, is primed to bring the Rangers places they have never been before: "We have this great opportunity in front of us," Hamilton said. "It's up to us to make the most of it now. ... No one deserves a championship more than our fans and this team."
In 2005, Hamilton gave up alcohol and drugs. He has accepted the fact that he’s an addict and submits drug tests to the MLB several times a week. He has claimed that his faith keeps him going and his career has benefited from it as well.
He began his career with the Cincinnati Reds, playing sporadically before being traded in 2007.
In 2008, he locked up the starting job at centre field with Texas thanks to a stellar spring training campaign. It proved to be his breakout season as he hit his first walk-off home run and finished the season with 32 home runs and 130 RBIs. He was the first outfielder voted into the All-Star Game that season.
Last season, Hamilton’s campaign was cut short due to injuries, as he only played in 89 games.
Now this season, not only is Hamilton batting like it’s 2008, but he’s on pace to outmatch that season. His team is a lot better also, leading the AL West division. Hamilton was also selected to the All-Star Game again this year.
Being the team player that he is, Hamilton is most enjoying the success his team is having, as the Rangers are rolling through the season. They’ve got someone to thank in Josh Hamilton, who has helped bring the franchise to life.
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