Josh Hamilton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Josh Hamilton. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2000: South Atlantic League All-Star and Minor League Player of the Year

In 2000, Josh Hamilton played with the Charleston RiverDogs, was selected to the South Atlantic League All-Star game (where he won MVP honors), named to the All-Star Futures Game, and voted Minor League Player of the Year by USA Today.

2003: Carlos Delgado Hit Four Home Runs in One Game

Carlos Delgado hit four home runs in one game in 2003, before Josh Hamilton mirrored this feat in 2012.

2005: Bobby Abreu's Home Run Derby Record

In 2005, Bobby Abreu set the single-round record of 24 home runs at the Home Run Derby.

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.

2007: Strong Spring Training and Roster Spot

In 2007, Josh Hamilton had a strong spring training with the Reds, leaving camp with a .403 batting average, securing a spot on the Major League 25-man roster.

May 2008: Hamilton Reports Continued Sobriety

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

June 2, 2008: Sports Illustrated Cover

Josh Hamilton was featured on the cover of the June 2, 2008, issue of "Sports Illustrated", in a story chronicling his comeback.

2008: Trade to the Rangers and Breakout Season

Before the 2008 season, Josh Hamilton was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he had a breakout season.

2008: Silver Slugger Award and MVP Candidate

In 2008, Josh Hamilton had a .304 batting average, 32 home runs, and 130 RBIs, leading the American League. He won a Silver Slugger Award and finished seventh in the AL MVP balloting.

2008: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby

In 2008, Josh Hamilton was selected as a starting outfielder for the AL at the All-Star Game and participated in the Home Run Derby, setting a single-round record with 28 home runs in the first round. He ultimately lost to Justin Morneau in the final round of the competition.

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.

2009: All-Star Game Selection Despite Injury

In 2009, Josh Hamilton was selected by fan voting to play in the All-Star game, even though he was injured.

November 23, 2010: Hamilton Voted American League MVP

On November 23, 2010, Josh Hamilton was voted the American League Most Valuable Player. He also won the AL Players Choice Award for Outstanding Player and a Silver Slugger Award in 2010.

2010: ALCS Win and MVP Award

In 2010, Josh Hamilton and the Rangers won the ALCS, and Hamilton was awarded the ALCS MVP Award.

2010: Rangers' First World Series Appearance

In 2010, Josh Hamilton and the Texas Rangers were defeated in their first-ever World Series appearance by the San Francisco Giants, four games to one. Hamilton batted .100, hitting one home run and recording one run batted in.

2010: World Series Appearance

In 2010, Josh Hamilton helped the Texas Rangers reach the World Series.

2010: Batting Title and League Leading Stats

In 2010, Josh Hamilton led the league with a .359 batting average, winning his first batting title. He also had high rankings in OBP, slugging percentage, and OPS.

2010: All-Star Selection and Batting Average

In 2010, Josh Hamilton was selected to start in the All-Star Game for the third consecutive year. He entered the All-Star Break with a .346 batting average, tied for first in the AL.

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: Second World Series Appearance

In 2011, Josh Hamilton helped the Texas Rangers reach the World Series for the second consecutive year.

2011: Second Consecutive AL Pennant

In 2011, Josh Hamilton was a member of the Texas Rangers team that won its second consecutive American League pennant.

2011: José Bautista Sets All-Star Game Vote Record

In 2011, José Bautista set an All-Star Game record with 7,454,753 votes, a record that was later broken by Josh Hamilton in 2012.

2011: Rangers Lose 2011 World Series to Cardinals

In 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Texas Rangers in seven games in the World Series, with Hamilton batting .241, hitting one home run, and recording six runs batted in during the Series. The Rangers advanced to the World Series for the second consecutive season after defeating the Detroit Tigers.

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.

2011: Hamilton's 2011 Season Statistics

In the 2011 season, Josh Hamilton batted .298 with 25 home runs, placing third in the American League for sacrifice flies (10), sixth for intentional walks (13), and eighth for slugging percentage (.536).

May 8, 2012: Four Home Runs in a Game

On May 8, 2012, Josh Hamilton became the 16th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game. He also set an AL record for total bases in a game with 18 on that same day.

2012: All-Star Game Fan Votes Record

In 2012, Josh Hamilton received more fan votes than any other player in the history of the All-Star Game.

2012: Hamilton Sets All-Star Game Vote Record

In 2012, Josh Hamilton was selected to his fifth All-Star Game with a record 11,073,744 fan votes, surpassing José Bautista's previous record.

2012: Hamilton's Performance in 2012 and Rangers' Wild Card Loss

In the 2012 season, Josh Hamilton achieved a .285 batting average with 43 home runs and 128 runs batted in, finishing fifth in the American League MVP voting and winning his third Silver Slugger Award. The Rangers, however, lost the American League Wild Card Game to the Baltimore Orioles in 2012.