Josh Hamilton
Josh Hamilton: The American Dream
Josh Hamilton: The American Dream One of the most important beliefs that Americans share is that personal striving results in upward economic mobility. The foundation of this belief is the essence of what is known as the “American dream”. For those who follow this dream, the conclusion must be made that one can overcome any obstacle with the necessary talent and determination. One of the most popular means in increasing one’s social status is through sports. Sports are ideal for understanding the pursuit of the American dream because achievement and success is highly emphasized in all sports. Also, sports figures frequently play lead role in the “rags to riches” stories Americans hear from the media. No one in sports today can carry the title of rags to riches to rags to riches again as does Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. Born on May 20th 1981, Josh was the first overall pick in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was considered a blue chip prospect until injuries and a drug addiction derailed his career in 2001.
Many people today use faith as method of strength, drive, and determination to get through anything one sets their mind to. But faith comes up often in the story of 26-year-old Joshua Holt Hamilton. It 's nearly impossible to tell his story without mentioning his Christian faith. Faith, he regularly testifies, has put him back in baseball after four years of addiction problems so ugly you can 't blame his family for not wanting to relive them. But because of faith, Josh and his family attend churches, youth groups and halfway houses. When he was barely 15, Hamilton was already a North Carolina sports legend. He was that rarest of finds, a true five-tool player. Left-handed, he was so gifted that he occasionally played shortstop and even hoped to be a catcher. But coaches were too protective of his arm because when he pitched, he hit 95-96 mph. When he played the outfield,
Josh Hamilton: The American Dream One of the most important beliefs that Americans share is that personal striving results in upward economic mobility. The foundation of this belief is the essence of what is known as the “American dream”. For those who follow this dream, the conclusion must be made that one can overcome any obstacle with the necessary talent and determination. One of the most popular means in increasing one’s social status is through sports. Sports are ideal for understanding the pursuit of the American dream because achievement and success is highly emphasized in all sports. Also, sports figures frequently play lead role in the “rags to riches” stories Americans hear from the media. No one in sports today can carry the title of rags to riches to rags to riches again as does Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. Born on May 20th 1981, Josh was the first overall pick in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was considered a blue chip prospect until injuries and a drug addiction derailed his career in 2001.
Many people today use faith as method of strength, drive, and determination to get through anything one sets their mind to. But faith comes up often in the story of 26-year-old Joshua Holt Hamilton. It 's nearly impossible to tell his story without mentioning his Christian faith. Faith, he regularly testifies, has put him back in baseball after four years of addiction problems so ugly you can 't blame his family for not wanting to relive them. But because of faith, Josh and his family attend churches, youth groups and halfway houses. When he was barely 15, Hamilton was already a North Carolina sports legend. He was that rarest of finds, a true five-tool player. Left-handed, he was so gifted that he occasionally played shortstop and even hoped to be a catcher. But coaches were too protective of his arm because when he pitched, he hit 95-96 mph. When he played the outfield,
References: " ' I 'm Proof That Hope Is Never Lost ' - MLB - ESPN." ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports. Web. 6 Dec. 2010