Who do you think is currently the most improbable success story in MLB?

Question

This article lists Josh Hamilton as #1. What do you think?

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Major-League-Baseball-s-25-Most-Improbable-Succe

Answer 1

I think Josh Hamilton's success was always expected, it was horrible failure that was improbable. But, I sure am glad he got another chance and he's making the most of it. Also, Hamilton had success in Cincinnati last year, just not this much.

I'm not a Yankees fan so I don't like to point out Yankees...but to give credit where it's due, I think Mike Mussina may be the most improbable. He was left off the post-season roster last year, and this year he's their only reliable starter. Without him the Yankees would be another three or four games back.

Answer 2

I'd have to say Josh Hamilton. He used to be a drug addict and smoked pot, but know he is an amazing ballplayer.

Answer 3

How about Jon Lester? He overcame cancer

Answer 4

I agree, Josh Hamilton.

Answer 5

This season or career?  

This season, I think it's Nate McLouth of the Pirates.  This guy was an after thought to make the roster.  There was a question coming out of spring training whether he should even be on the team, let alone starting, and he's an All Star.  

Answer 6

If Hamilton goes on to have a great career and he can continue keeping his nose clean.....then it's Josh Hamilton hands down.  The guy was addicted to all kinds of hardcore drugs.  It takes a lot to overcome that sort of thing and have the type of season he's having.

Answer 7

not bad....but I prefer the Charlie Zink story.

Lifetime minor leaguer who made his major league debut on Tuesday night.

Answer 8

Josh Hamilton was more his own doing so I'd consider cancer survivors Jon Lester or Doug Davis as more improbable success stories.

Past history would include guys like Jim Morris, Jim Abbott and Dave Dravecky in addition to the obvious of Jackie Robinson.

Answer 9

How about Ryan Ludwick?

He's bounced around in the minors and overcame some major injuries (the guy has a 6 inch metal rod in his hip). He finally got some time with the Cardinals last year and this year he should get serious consideration for NL MVP.

Answer 10

I would have to agree with you, it has to be Josh Hamilton.

Answer 11

Probably Rick Ankiel.  He was a pitcher his whole life and had major problems, many injuries throughout his entire career.  He then went back to the minors to become a center fielder, he's been through a lot and its a great story.

Answer 12

How the h**l is choosing to play baseball over football more IMPROBABLE than beating cancer and still becoming a great starting pitcher less than 2 years later?!?!?!?

Answer 13

Hank and Hal Steinbrenner.  Two Daddy's Boys inherit one of the world's great sports franchises from their demagogue father.  They run the Yankees with almost supernatural incompetence, making a mediocre and colorless team out of a cast of all-stars.  Yet, as money talks, no one dares to mention their responsibility, laying blame instead at the door of the manager or the all-too-aptly named Brian Cashman, if anyone.  Mostly, like some ancient opera, the New York fans and press run around tearing at their hair while the Emperor fiddles away and decides whose head is going to get chopped off.  The public seems to eat it up, though, so you've got to rate the whole improbable exercise a huge success.

Answer 14

Roger Clemens if we're doing career.

Answer 15

Well, I kinda agree with Josh Hamilton, but Jon Lester has to be there somewhere. A cancer surviver with a 11-4 record right now, doing fabulous with the Sox.

Answer 16

Since you said current - that means this season I assume.

For an individual player, I would have to say Hamilton.  

For a team - who ever would have thought that the Devil Rays (yes...I know...Rays....) would be in a pennant race?!