Early Life and Education of Josh Hamilton: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Josh Hamilton. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

May 21, 1981: Joshua Holt Hamilton Born

On May 21, 1981, Joshua Holt Hamilton was born in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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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: Hamilton Starts Dating Katie Chadwick

In 2002, Josh Hamilton started dating Katie Chadwick after returning to Raleigh.

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: Hamilton Fails First Drug Test

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

2004: Hamilton Marries Katie Chadwick

In 2004, Josh Hamilton married Katie Chadwick, the daughter of Michael Chadwick.

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.

October 6, 2005: Hamilton's Last Day Using Drugs or Alcohol

According to a statement Hamilton made in May 2008, October 6, 2005 was the last day that Josh Hamilton used drugs or alcohol.

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.

January 2006: Hamilton Starts Working at Roy Silver's Academy

In January 2006, Josh Hamilton began working at Roy Silver's Baseball Academy, where he cleaned bathrooms, raked the infield, and slept on an air mattress in one of the offices.

2006: Hamilton's Dream of Home Run Derby

In 2006, Josh Hamilton had a dream of participating in a Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium.

2006: Hamilton Worked on Shoeless Joe Jackson's House Renovation

In 2006, Richard C. Davis, the owner of Trademark Properties, hired Josh Hamilton as the construction foreman to renovate Shoeless Joe Jackson's house and filmed the process for the TV show "The Real Deal".

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March 31, 2007: "A Home Run for Trademark" Airs on The Real Deal

On March 31, 2007, "A Home Run for Trademark," a reality show episode on The Learning Channel, aired, featuring Josh Hamilton as the construction foreman for the renovation of Shoeless Joe Jackson's house during 2006.

2007: Hamilton Complies with MLB Drug Policy

In 2007, The New York Times reported that Josh Hamilton provided urine samples for drug testing at least three times per week to comply with the provisions of MLB's drug policy.

May 2008: Hamilton Reports Continued Sobriety

In May 2008, Josh Hamilton stated that he had not used drugs or alcohol since October 6, 2005.

2008: Hamilton Appears in "I Am Second" Testimonial Videos

In late 2008, Josh Hamilton, along with other celebrities, appeared in "I Am Second" testimonial videos, sharing his story of recovery from drug use with the help of his Christian faith.

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: 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.

2010: Rangers Celebrate with Ginger Ale

In 2010, Josh Hamilton's Rangers teammates celebrated major events such as winning the American League Division Series and the American League Championship Series with ginger ale instead of champagne, mindful of his past struggles.

2011: Rangers Celebrate with Ginger Ale Again

In 2011, the Texas Rangers continued their tradition of celebrating major victories with ginger ale instead of champagne, as they won their second consecutive pennant and reached the World Series.

February 2, 2012: Hamilton Relapses with Alcohol

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

February 3, 2012: Hamilton Apologizes for Relapse

On February 3, 2012, Josh Hamilton held a press conference to apologize for his actions related to his relapse with alcohol.

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.