As noted earlier today on balls.ie, Josh Hamilton hit a record tying four home runs in a game last night. This astonishing achievement made news world-wide even in countries where baseball is as popular with the general public as taxes. That may go some way in explain why the sub editor of the above Austrian publication may have decided to focus on the human interest side of Hamilton's achievement.
For those of you reading this who are unfamiliar with the background of Josh Hamilton here is the cliff notes version. Selected number one overall in the 1999 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, Hamilton was projected to be a can't miss, sure-fire baseball superstar until drugs and alcohol derailed his career. Indeed, Hamilton's problems were so pronounced that he would not make his MLB debut until 2007 with the Cincinnati Reds after the Tampa Bay Rays decided they could no longer deal with him.
Since that day Hamilton has revitalised his career and showcased on a daily basis the skills and once in a generation talent that made him the number one pick thirteen years ago. Despite been crowned the AL MVP in 2010, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for Hamilton who admit to falling off the wagon earlier this summer in a bar. As the headline above shows, even in the after glow of his greatest achievements the darkness of his past transgressions will forever follow him around.
