Josh Hamilton

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Hamilton's career was defined by a dramatic rise from adversity. Chosen first overall by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999, he struggled with injuries and drug addiction following a car accident in 2001 that sidelined him for years. After being suspended multiple times and spending nearly three years out of baseball, he made a historic comeback. Selected first overall in the 2006 Rule 5 draft by the Chicago Cubs, he was immediately traded to the Cincinnati Reds. There, he made his MLB debut on April 2, 2007, receiving a memorable standing ovation from the opposing Cubs' catcher Michael Barrett, who offered words of encouragement. After a strong rookie season, he was traded to the Texas Rangers before the 2008 season, where he won Player of the Month for both April and May, though he was not the first American League player to achieve this feat.

In Their Own Story

On May 8, 2012, Hamilton etched his name in history at Angel Stadium. He became only the 16th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game. That same day, he set an American League record for total bases in a game with 18. His connection with fans was equally historic; in 2012, he received more fan votes than any other player in the history of the All-Star Game. However, his time in Anaheim was turbulent, marred by injuries and a drug relapse after signing with the Angels in 2012. The team traded him back to the Rangers before the 2015 season, where he played one final year before injuries forced his retirement. His journey from a top prospect derailed by addiction to a record-setting star remains one of baseball's most notable arcs.

Reader's Guide

In 2010, he won the AL MVP award after leading the league in batting average and RBIs. His defensive prowess and power hitting made him a cornerstone of the lineup. While his later years were inconsistent due to health issues, his early impact was undeniable; he finished first in voting among outfielders for the 2008 All-Star Game and won AL Player of the Month awards in April and May of that year. His legacy with the Rangers is cemented by his induction into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame in 2019.

Did You Know?

• On May 8, 2012, Hamilton became the 16th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game.
• In that same 4-homer game, he set an American League record with 18 total bases, though the AL record is 19 total bases (set by Shawn Green in 2002 and later tied).
• Hamilton received a record number of fan votes in the 2012 All-Star Game selection process, though Ken Griffey Jr. had received more votes in previous years.
• He was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays with the first overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft.
• Catcher Michael Barrett gave Hamilton a standing ovation during his MLB debut on April 2, 2007.