Rangers slugger leading charge for first-place team in AL West
The Texas Rangers have never been to the World Series. In fact, they've never played in the American League Championship Series. I mention that, because this could be the season the Rangers put all those negatives to rest. And it could be the defining moment for Josh Hamilton: the last hurdle in his amazing comeback from near self-destruction. As we approach the All-Star break, the Rangers hold a comfortable lead in the AL West. Only the Yankees have a
Tom Brady jersey better record in the AL. Texas had the best record in the Major Leagues in June, winning 21 of 27 games. The offense hit at a .313 clip, fourth best for a single month in franchise history. Every time I look at the standings and see how well the Rangers are doing I think of Hamilton. And feel good.Every time I drive by the Bradenton, Fla., nightclub/lounge where Hamilton was
FRED TAYLOR jersey introduced to crack cocaine and other illegal drugs a decade ago, I know it's possible to taste the ashes of ruin and yet, at the darkest hour, pick up the pieces and rebuild your life. Josh Hamilton did that. Because of his determination and enormous athletic ability, he's powering the Rangers to one of their best seasons. He's leading their charge to make it back to the postseason for the first time since 1999, when they were swept in the Division Series by the Yankees in three games. Hamilton, who is 29 and
Laurence Maroney jersey in only his fourth Major League season, is batting .343, has 18 homers, 58 RBIs and a .613 slugging percentage. He's also at peace with himself -- has been for the better part of five summers. When they vote for the AL MVP in October, he should get strong consideration. He's certainly the Rangers' MVP, with Vladimir Guerrero not too far behind. Hamilton extended his
Jerod Mayo jersey career-best hitting streak to 23 games in Wednesday night's 6-4 victory over the Angels. He set the franchise record for hits in a month on Tuesday with 48, before adding No. 49 on Wednesday. He says he's never been as comfortable batting as he has been the last month. "I've been on some streaks before, but they'd always ended at 13 or 14," he told MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. "It's never lasted this long, so I can't really compare it to anything." Reporters who cover the Rangers daily believe his play in left field may merit a Gold Glove.
http://www.b2bjersey.comThe biggest problem Hamilton faces is remaining healthy. The demons of cocaine and alcohol kept him out of baseball for three seasons (2003-05), but after the Cincinnati Reds gave him a new opportunity in '07 and he made it back, injuries have been his biggest problem. During his first season after being dealt to Texas in '08, he played in 156 games, batted .304, hit 32 homers and led the AL with 130 RBIs -- a career year. He was twice on the disabled list in '09, playing in just 89 games, while batting .268 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs.