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Josh Hamilton hits 100th RBI agains A's, still has a story worth writing
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Josh Hamilton gets 100 RBI, home run against A's
UPDATE: Hamilton hit a three-run homer Saturday against the A's, bringing his total up to 103.
I usually don't like to write about what everyone else is writing about. I learned a long time ago that people want to read original thoughts, especially with the Internet becoming more and more crowded.
But it's becoming impossible not to discuss Josh Hamilton.
I had to key up something during the Home Run Derby because his performance was just too amazing for me to ignore. Since then I've tried to avoid the subject because Hamilton's story has been shoved down your throat enough.
During Friday's 14-6 win over the Oakland A's, though, Hamilton made me write about him again.
The Rangers slugger batted in his 100th run of the year while hitting a home run to tie the game in the fourth inning. Hamilton is starting to make his run at the single-season RBI record (191 by Hack Wilson) a very serious possibility. Either way, he's going to end up No. 1 this season, as Hamilton is currently 24 ahead of the next guy in the American League, though Ryan Howard is close behind in the NL.
And the next at-bat, Hamilton ripped a double down the right-field line. Is there anything more Hamilton could be doing at this point?
I say no. And Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram agrees.
Wilson recently answered some reader questions, one of whom wondered if Hamilton's story was too good to be true. Wilson's answer set the record straight.
There’s a chance that what has been written understates the type of person Hamilton has become since overcoming drug abuse. He has turned his life over to his faith and family, and baseball is third on his priority list.
Hamilton leads baseball in RBI, but he also leads — and by a wide margin — in autographs signed. Just about everyone who wants one gets one, at home and on the road.
He’s also generous with the time he gives the media. Hamilton has a platform to tell his story, and media members are glad to give it to him. Don’t expect it to stop, either. He said telling his story helps keep him true to sobriety.
So often we hear about athletes who have amazing back stories, but their on-field production isn't amazing. Rick Ankiel is probably the last player to have his personal struggles be matched by his playing ability. Unfortunately, his image has been slightly bruised by his use of HGH, which he claims he did on the advice of his doctor.
Hamilton, though, will probably not have that kind of problem.
So there you have it. Hamilton is threatening to put his name in the record books, is a very legitimate threat to win a triple crown and batting title, and is a genuinely good guy.
Hope you don't get tired of reading about him, because I'm have to keep writing about him.
