Is He Worthy? — Blake Mitchamore

When I first heard that Josh Hamilton would be inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame my reaction wasn’t great.

Is he worthy? Yes, Josh Hamilton did some great things while he was here in Texas, but he only spent four years here. He tried to come back after a failed move to the Angels, but his knees didn’t hold up.

On top of that it wasn’t always sunshine and roses while he was here in Texas either. His continuing struggles and battle with addiction issues. At times it felt like he didn’t want to be here or care about playing baseball. Then he left to one of the Rangers chief rivals in Free Agency.

He also did a lot of great things in his time here.

The Home Run Derby

All 28 homers from Josh Hamilton's incredible first round of the 2008 Home Run Derby. A shame that he did not win, but an amazing performance nonetheless. I DO NOT own anything, this video was made for entertainment purposes only. All rights are reserved for the MLB and all of its affiliates.

The Game Six Home Run

10/27/11: Josh Hamilton comes through with a clutch two-run home run to right-center field, giving the Rangers a 9-7 lead in the 10th Check out http://MLB.com/video for more! About MLB.com: About MLB.com: Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced on January 19, 2000, that the 30 Major League Club owners voted unanimously to centralize all of Baseball's Internet operations into an independent technology company.

Four Home Runs in One Game

5/8/12: Josh Hamilton becomes the 16th player to hit four homers and sets an AL mark with 18 total bases en route to a 5-for-5 game Check out http://MLB.com/video for more! About MLB.com: About MLB.com: Baseball Commissioner Allan H.

When Josh Hamilton was here and was healthy, he was quite possibly the most physically gifted player in all of baseball. He could hit for average. During his MVP season he hit .360. He could hit for power. He hit some of the longest home runs I’ve ever seen at The Ballpark in Arlington. He could even steal bases.

Josh could also play great defense. He had a very good arm and could cover a lot of ground in the outfield. He was truly a 5-tool player.

When you talk about Josh Hamilton you must talk about his story also. The former no. 1 overall pick that threw his career away because of drug addiction. His run here in Texas was truly a feel-good story of redemption. He captivated the fan base here. We loved him.

I’ve watched the Texas Rangers play my entire life and I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed watching someone play baseball more than Josh Hamilton.

So, is Josh Hamilton worthy of being in our team hall of fame? After thinking it through I say absolutely. His time here was very short, but it was filled with transcendent moments that will people will continue to talk about. He was responsible for some of the greatest moments in Texas Rangers history. You can’t mention the MLB Home Run Derby without thinking of the display Josh put on.

The fact that Josh Hamilton is being added to the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame says a lot more about the Texas Rangers than it does Josh Hamilton.