Like Bill Murray in Scrooged running from the ghosts of Christmas, Josh Hamilton understands the meaning of having a checkered past. A former number one pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 1999, this blue chip prospect had his baseball career derailed by a drug addiction. A living example of 1 Corinthians 15:33-34, Josh Hamilton was led astray by his association with a tattoo parlor which influenced him to experiment with illegal drugs and alcohol. After a visit to the Betty Ford drug rehabilitation center, Josh improved until failing his first of 2 drugs tests, leading to his exit of baseball for an extended period of time.
Josh’s story and comeback became a national headline after airing on ESPN’s Homecoming with Rick Reilly in January of 2009. Appearing in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, Josh shared skeletons from his past as well as his new relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. After being traded to the Texas Rangers from the Chicago Cubs, his new team put in place an accountability system to prevent Josh from back sliding into his former bad habits. Since being acquired from Chicago in 2007, Josh has been selected to 5 all-star teams, won the 2010 American League Most Valuable Player award and led Texas to 2 consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
As a current free agent, teams are afraid Josh’s body will break down physically, revert to his former life or simply isn’t worth the 4 years, 100 million dollar contract experts think he will receive. This is where the Philadelphia Phillies make a great marriage on and off the field. With Carlos Ruiz suspended for the first month of the season for using amphetamines, Josh Hamilton would look great between Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Although, this would make the Phillies vulnerable to left handed relievers, any right handed starting pitcher might soil their pants every 3 innings when facing these sluggers.
Off the field, Philadelphia has a history of strong charismatic Christian athletes on their professional sports teams beginning with Reggie White with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1980’s. Former eagle and future NFL hall of famer, Brian Dawkins would make a great mentor for Josh Hamilton, a true example of Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, Josh could reside in Ocean City, New Jersey, a dry city since its establishment in 1879, a little over an hour drive from Citizen’s Bank Park. Christians flock from all over the East Coast to this quaint beach side community, a perfect place for Josh to call home. I may be dreaming of another big free agent signing, yet Josh Hamilton would look great in Phillies’ pinstripes.
by Jay Mankus
former mini-tour member and P.G.A. Qualifying school participant
former staff writer for Travel Golf Media
former Bible teacher, counselor and youth pastor
ExpressYourself4Him 
Great post. I didn’t realize Josh’s life story had so many twists and turns. I am glad to hear that he has seen the light. I pray that his conversion is sincere and transformative.
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Initially, I wrote what was on my heart and felt lead by God to write about. Now, I use current events and topics people can relate to so that I can reach a broad base of readers. Feel free to use some of my ideas. Best wishes!
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