Texas, Perfect Fit for Josh Hamilton
With two American League West rivals negotiating a contract that will send Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers, this could be a reunion in the making.
Multiple sources have confirmed the Los Angeles Angels are close to finalizing a deal that will reunite Hamilton with his former team, the Texas Rangers.
So what does this mean for Texas? Well, let’s weigh the pros and cons…
Josh Hamilton was selected to five straight All-Star teams, won the American League MVP award in 2010, and helped lead the Rangers to back-to-back World Series in the 2010-11 seasons. Those days will never be forgotten.
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But since signing a five-year $125 million contract with the Angels in the 2012 Winter Meetings, Hamilton has been unable to live up to the lofty expectations that come with such a contract.
Hamilton missed the start of this season with a shoulder injury, hitting .255 with a .741 OPS in his first two seasons in Anaheim. He also suffered a relapse during the offseason and did not report to his team for spring training.
Even though his statistics have not been impressive during his tenure with the Angels, Hamilton has put up quality numbers at Globe Life Park since 2013. In 70 plate appearances, Hamilton averaged a .339 batting average in Arlington.
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While Hamilton is battling his crippling drug addiction, the Rangers will be taking a huge risk if they acquire him back. But when you look at the accomplishments he achieved within the Rangers organization, it’s the perfect fit.
Think about it…
Texas has provided an excellent support network for Hamilton throughout his career. He’s had an incredible series of events with the Rangers such as his four home run game, MVP awards, high number statistics and Silver Slugger awards. Why not come back to a team where you had the best moments of your MLB career?
I know Hamilton can be the productive player he once was with the Rangers. He had quite the highlight reel with the ball club. Heck, he was a solid outfielder and one of the core players that drove the team to two World Series.
When you go back and look at the positive things Hamilton has done for the Rangers, he deserves another shot to play for a team where the fans endear him most. Yes, Hamilton is still supported out there by many in Ranger Nation. He is still capable of playing at a high level.
So what if he gave up on the team late during the 2012 season. Who cares about his “not a true baseball town” and “football town” remarks. I know deep down in his heart he didn’t mean what he said. It was just the usual out-of-the-mouth frustrations. But the past is the past, leave it there.
Sure, Hamilton has evolved from a tainted figure. But it’s not too late for him to turn into a pure and influential role model. He’s human just like anyone else, and shouldn’t be treated like a villain. I hope he one day retires in a Rangers uniform.
Hamilton’s story is a roller coaster that can inspire anyone and has the ability to turn lives around. What I’ve learned from those stories is that it can change anyone’s life at any given time, as random as it may seem at the time. I feel he is still putting in the effort to improve.
We all love baseball, but when we take a step back, Hamilton’s story serves as the perfect reminder that it is indeed just a game.
He’ll serve the Rangers just fine right where he belongs… in Texas.