rustyshackleford

Josh Hamilton hit 28 home runs in the 1st round of the HR derby. That broke the record by 4, and 3 were over 500 feet (there have only been 8 or so over 500 feet ever at the derby, including his 3.) Hamilton is in his first whole year back, he played some last year, after being basically near death as a heroin/cocaine addict/alcoholic. He was at the point where he was waking up in homes that he didn't recognize, with people he didn't know. There was a point where he couldn't sleep alone, bc his dreams were too bad. He still doesnt carry more than $20 in cash, bc the tempatation to use may overcome him. He has a personal "handler" to make sure he doesn't slip up...and immediately upon his return to baseball, after three years off, he may win the MVP, and just put on a show unlike any other the HR derby has ever seen. Long story, made to moderate length...

Stardust

the beginning of the story was that he was from a suburb of Raleigh, NC, and drafted right out of high school. All that quick success & money at such a young age led him down the wrong path. It started going bad when he got injured a lot, and was in a car crash with his mom. The drugs followed soon after that.

little side note - my grandfather was the first Athletic Director of the high school where Hamilton went...

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Super 32 Challenge - November 1, 2008
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Adolf Oliverbush

That is an amazing story, thank s for sharing. Home he's able to get healthy (fromthe drugs specifically) and be happy. Sounds like an amazing talent.

r.payton@att.net

He was projected as the greatest ballplayer ever drafted -then he started shooting up-The best part about this kid is his kicking his habit -the heck with baseball- Think how good he would be had he not chosen to poison himself for years -He is -and aways will be a drug addict-I just hope he continues winning the battle .
There is no such word as alcoholwasism-same with drugs -he has all my best wishes .

gg121and2

I loved the joy on his face - and the awe of the other players.

ezra

The best part was that he asked a 71 year old American Legion coach to throw to him...

therick

I thought that was a really cool part of it too. Amazing that the last time the old guy was in Yankee stadium, Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in world series history.

He really did make it look pretty effortless in that first round. Every ball was right in the heart of the barrel and crushed.

Zapp Brannigan

Really cool article by Hamilton himself, written last year:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2926447

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