Challenges Faced by Josh Hamilton: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Josh Hamilton faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Josh Hamilton is a former MLB outfielder known for his talent and struggles with addiction. He was a five-time All-Star, won the 2010 AL MVP with the Texas Rangers, and secured three Silver Slugger Awards. Hamilton also won a batting title and RBI title. His career spanned from 2007 to 2015, including stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels. Despite his success, his career was significantly impacted by relapses into substance abuse.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 2001: Car Accident and Injury

In February 2001, Josh Hamilton and his mother were injured in a car accident.

2001: Car Accident and Career Derailment

In 2001, Josh Hamilton sustained injuries in a car accident, and his career was derailed by a drug addiction.

2001: Hamilton Involved in Automobile Accident, Begins Drug Use

Prior to the 2001 season, Josh Hamilton was involved in an automobile accident where his parents were also injured. The 2001 season marked the beginning of Hamilton's drug and alcohol use, and he made his first attempt at rehabilitation.

2002: Season Ended Due to Injuries

In 2002, Josh Hamilton's season with the Bakersfield Blaze ended early due to lingering toe and neck injuries.

2003: Failed Drug Test and Reassignment

During spring training of the 2003 season, Josh Hamilton failed his first drug test and was reassigned to the team's minor league camp after showing up late several times. He eventually took the rest of the season off for personal reasons.

2003: Hamilton Fails First Drug Test

During spring training of the 2003 season, Josh Hamilton failed his first drug test.

2004: Hamilton Suspended by MLB for Drug Policy Violations

In 2004, Josh Hamilton was initially suspended for 30 days and fined for violating MLB's drug policy, then suspended for the entire season after failing two more tests.

2004: Suspension for Violating Drug Policy

In 2004, Josh Hamilton was suspended 30 days and fined for violating MLB's drug policy. A month later, he was suspended for the entire season after failing two more tests.

2005: Hamilton Arrested, Placed on Restricted List

Before the 2005 season, Josh Hamilton was arrested for smashing the windshield of a friend's truck and was placed on the restricted list by the Rays, moving him off the 40-man roster.

2005: Arrest and Restricted List Placement

In 2005, Josh Hamilton was arrested for smashing the windshield of a friend's truck and was subsequently placed on the restricted list by the Tampa Bay Rays.

2006: Suspension for Relapse

In 2006, Josh Hamilton was suspended by MLB for the entire season following another relapse.

June 2009: Disabled List with Abdominal Strain

In June 2009, Josh Hamilton went on the disabled list with an abdominal strain caused by a wall collision in May. He underwent successful surgery to repair the tear on June 9.

August 2009: Acknowledgment of Intoxication and Apology

In August 2009, Josh Hamilton acknowledged that he had become intoxicated at an Arizona bar in January and had been photographed "in lurid poses" with women other than his wife, and he apologized for his behavior.

August 2009: Hamilton Addresses Relapse Photos

In August 2009, Josh Hamilton called a press conference on August 8 to address the photos that surfaced showing him in a bar, revealing that he had informed his wife, the Texas Rangers, and MLB the day after the incident occurred.

August 2009: Hamilton Relapses, Photos Emerge

In August 2009, photos were released showing Josh Hamilton shirtless in a bar in Tempe, Arizona, with several women, confirming his relapse. Witnesses reported he was drinking and asking about obtaining cocaine, and revealed plans to go to a strip club.

2009: Injury-Plagued Season

Josh Hamilton's 2009 season was plagued by injuries.

February 2, 2012: Hamilton Relapses with Alcohol

On February 2, 2012, it was reported that Josh Hamilton suffered a relapse with alcohol.

2014: Hamilton's 2014 Season Performance and Injuries

During the 2014 season, Josh Hamilton batted .263 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs in 89 games, while also dealing with a thumb and a shoulder injury.

February 2015: Hamilton Relapses with Cocaine and Alcohol

In February 2015, Josh Hamilton relapsed, using both cocaine and alcohol. He voluntarily reported the relapse to MLB, and an outside arbitrator ruled that his admission did not violate baseball's drug policy, so he could not be suspended.

February 2015: Hamilton Relapses, Faces Controversy with Angels

In February 2015, Josh Hamilton underwent shoulder surgery and it was revealed he had relapsed into drug addiction, which he voluntarily reported to MLB. Despite an arbitrator's ruling that he couldn't be suspended, the Angels owner implied he didn't want Hamilton back, and Hamilton-related merchandise was removed from stores. The Players Association and some Angels players defended Hamilton.

2015: Trade Back to the Rangers and Final Season

In 2015, the Los Angeles Angels traded Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers, where he played one more season before injuries ended his career.

2015: Hamilton Files for Divorce From Katie

In early 2015, Josh Hamilton filed for divorce from Katie after 11 years of marriage.

May 25, 2016: Hamilton Ruled Out for 2016 Season

On May 25, 2016, it was announced that Josh Hamilton would miss the entire 2016 season after undergoing knee surgery for the third time in nine months.

2016: Hamilton Undergoes Knee Surgery

In February 2017 it was revealed that Hamilton was experiencing discomfort in his left knee—the same knee on which he had undergone surgery during the 2016 season.

October 30, 2019: Hamilton Arrested for Injury to a Child

On October 30, 2019, Josh Hamilton was arrested and charged with injury to a child, a third-degree felony, following accusations of physically assaulting his oldest daughter.

2019: Felony Assault Charge

In 2019, Josh Hamilton was charged with a felony for allegedly assaulting his daughter.

April 8, 2020: Hamilton Indicted on Felony Charge

On April 8, 2020, Hamilton was indicted on a felony charge for allegedly beating his daughter, carrying a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison.