The INSANE Prime of Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton had one of the sweetest swings this game has ever seen. With speed, arm strength, and raw power, Hamilton was one of the league’s best players in the late 2000s and early 2010s. He put on a show in one of the most unforgettable Home Run Derbies to date. He also tied an MLB record with a single game performance for the ages. On the game’s biggest stage, he delivered one of the most clutch home runs in franchise history. However, there’s another side to Hamilton’s story that shortened his time in baseball. His struggles with alcohol and drugs robbed him of a potential Hall of Fame career.
Players relevant to the video: Dwight Gooden, Danny Herrera, Edinson Volquez, Tony Gwynn, Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson, Joe Saunders, Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, David Freese, Lance Berkman, Miguel Cabrera, Shawn Green, Justin Morneau, Marlon Byrd, Matt Murton, Troy Tulowitski, Ryan Braun, José Bautista
0:00 Intro
0:50 Biography
2:01 Rough Road to the Show
6:28 Joltin’ Josh (2008)
9:05 The Next Level (2010)
12:04 Heartbreak (2011)
15:42 History in Baltimore (2012)
17:22 Hamilton and the Halos
18:32 Rangers Return
20:20 Career/Conclusion
#mlb #rangers #2000s
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All music from Epidemic Sound
Outro: “Anamorphic” by baegel
Additional tags: Josh Hamilton biography, Josh Hamilton family, Josh Hamilton high school, Josh Hamilton pitching, Josh Hamilton minor leagues, North Carolina, Josh Hamilton parents, car accident, injuries, 1999 MLB Draft, first round draft pick, signing bonus, suspension, drug test, Rule 5 Draft, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Angels contract, traded to Rangers, Michael Chadwick, Roy Silver, Josh Hamilton overcoming addiction, off-the field issues, Josh Hamilton prime, Historic Level, Cam 23, Josh Hamilton highlights, career, retrospective, MLB Debut, Josh Hamilton MVP, 2010 MVP, 2011 World Series, postseason, stats, home runs, 2008 Home Run Derby, Home Run Derby, 4 home run game, 4 home runs, MLB record, Josh Hamilton injuries, Josh Hamilton missed time, center field, left field, stolen base, walk-off, moonshot, career stats, retirement, All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, Hall of Fame, Silver Slugger, 2010 Rangers Rays ALDS, 2010 Rangers Yankees ALCS, 2010 ALCS MVP, 2010 Rangers Giants World Series, Shannon Stone, Cooper Stone, Cooper Stone first pitch 2011 ALDS, 2011 Rangers Rays ALDS, 2011 Rangers Tigers ALCS, 2011 Rangers Cardinals World Series, Josh Hamilton Game 6 2011 World Series home run, clutch, 2012 Rangers Orioles Wild Card Game, 2014 Angels Royals ALDS, Texas Rangers return, 2015 Rangers Blue Jays ALDS
Sources:
stathead.com
www.baseball-reference.com
www.audrajennings.com/2008/12...
www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/sp...
www.mlb.com/all-star/saturday...
www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/...
www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/story...
www.mlb.com/awards/player-of-...
www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm...
www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/...
www.mlb.com/awards/rookie-of-...
www.mlb.com/glossary/transact...

[@CH-kl9qd]

going to rangers games during that 2009-2012 period was incredible. Globe life park and that team was just amazing. Hamilton had such a beautiful swing.

[@Cam23]

I miss that park!

[@CH-kl9qd]

@@Cam23 love the new park because we have a ring there but nothing will replace the old park. It was so nice.

[@shabba3450]

It was Hot...very very hot😂. I love the new stadium

[@CH-kl9qd]

@@shabba3450 worst sunburn of my life I got there. Day game right above first base dugout with no sunscreen. Couldn’t walk for a week

[@shabba3450]

@CH-kl9qd Great memories with my boys taking them to the games when they were young. The new stadium is alot more enjoyable though...especially when they open the roof. Can't wait to go watch the college games there this February.

[@davidnyberg6840]

Hamilton's story is one of the saddest in baseball's history. One of the great what-ifs

[@cdeezy2718]

People need to get this thru their skulls. There are no 'what ifs' the man was a top tier ball player. He made it to the highest level along with millions of dollars. Respect his free will and decisions.

[@joehawk9839]

Few have any idea what I would of done or gave up in life to have that kind of talent. Nothing bothers me more to see natural can't miss talent have it all and throw it all away from drugs or anything else that is just plain stupid. You don't know everyone's situation in life that leads them down a path of destruction. I guess until you experience something first hand it's hard to relate to it.

[@foldohack5687]

The last two years in Texas and his Angels time were pathetic at best..mentally weak

[@joehawk9839]

@@cdeezy2718 I am not doubting his talent. I guess you believe using illegal drugs is free will. He's lucky and fortunate he's not in jail. Now if you're referring to his post baseball life I have no issues in what your saying to leave him alone.

[@David.560_-]

Crack

[@grasynedwards]

Still one of my favorite players ever. Just shows how powerful drugs an alcohol can be even to someone who had all the talent and potential in the world. He was probably easily going to be in the HOF now he’s a name most don’t even know

[@Cam23]

Well said, it’s sad the negative impact it had on wasting away a Hall of Fame talent.

[@capa0590]

Not just HOF, he had the potential to be one of the best of all time

[@joshdelagarza231]

Still the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen. Won an MVP after losing a whole 6 years of his career to drugs. And then lost several more to injury/relapsing.

[@JavMacHer]

Along with Mickey Mantle, best to ever play drunk baseball

[@dustinbarlow1623]

David Wells through a no no hungover

[@jeffnak5598]

​@dustinbarlow1623 Doc Ellis threw a no-hitter on LSD.😂😂😂 It's still one of my favorite baseball stories.

[@rileymcfarland2010]

This brought back crazy flashbacks. My childhood revolved around hamilton and these rangers teams

[@tk5795]

I was at a Tigers-Rangers game in Detroit and my dad got us tickets near the Texas dugout so I could try and get Josh to sign my copy of his auto biography. During the national anthem he saw me with the book and snuck through the tv camera area and signed it and gave me a fist bump and said thank you for reading. Been to a lot of games since then and have never seen an athlete do something like that. Absolute shame what’s happened in recent years.

[@kenw2225]

Dominant in prime. All time talent. Prob top 100 ever talents.

[@Cam23]

Agreed 💯

[@ousamaabdu794]

Pure talent, just in talent alone Top 10 of all time

[@billymock2755]

When I was a kid, I played baseball at the same facility Josh rehabbed at in Florida. I remember he came back in 2011 to speak mine and a few other teams there - one of my favorite baseball memories as a kid. Seemed like a really awesome guy, hope he's doing better wherever he is today

[@Cam23]

That’s a great memory thank you for sharing!

[@1833marine]

Never have been a baseball fan, but being from the DFW area, Josh was on the news and sports radio often during those great 2010, and 2011 seasons, he made me a fan of him. I saw him at a local restaurant near south lake when he was in town for a court appearance, he was a towering giant of a man. I am 6'2 and he made me feel tiny. I miss watching him hit Bombs on the field. good luck to him and his family in the future.

[@agayactornamedmichaeldougl6289]

The next #32 for the Texas Rangers will fullfill the potential that Josh Hamilton never reached.

[@omalleycaboose5937]

Carter is gonna be a great player, but he's a completely different kind of hitter, he's not a power guy for 1

[@ryandanford5289]

beautifully said!

[@DutchVanDerLinde-sx1ox]

I doubt Carter will win MVP but he's already got a ring so there's that

[@user-ou3dm6th3x]

Hamilton reached his potential, all be it late. And unfortunately it didn’t last long.

[@briansolo]

As someone who struggles with alcohol addiction myself, this video rings so true in so many ways. It's amazing what a person can do while dealing with so many demons at the same time. Josh was a beast, and TRULY had the sweetest swing I ever saw, despite all of his issues. Thanks for making this video, Cam.

[@Cam23]

I'm glad that the video was able to resonate with you. It's a heavy message, and I wanted to portray it as accurately as I could. I wish you strength on your journey!

[@GeeGallo]

my first jersey as a kid man got his jersey twice once as a medium and once when i grew up to XL will always be a favorite for me

[@Isuckatvideogames210]

He’s the reason I’m a rangers fan. Not because my dad grew up in Dallas and has been a ranger fan his entire life. It’s because of Joshua Holt Hamilton.

[@khaikhuc1432]

He got me hooked on the Rangers as well, being half the globe away even.

[@ernestpolk9555]

I had forgot, just how good he was....Just shows you, how life comes at you at all angles. God bless him.

[@bigred9991]

If he was never on drugs he would have been one of the greats. He was absolutely insane.

[@Cam23]

Agreed 💯

[@nicholasbrown4109]

too injury prone, his drug abuse meant he missed a couple prime years, but his knee issues in his early 30s kept him out of the game. That has nothing to do with drug abuse

[@bobbest8627]

Keith Hernandez! I grew up in Pacifica, four years behind Keith… I’ve been a fan of his since I was eight years old and he was 12. If anybody wants to read a good baseball book, try “I am Keith Hernandez.” The audio version is read by him… It’s simply wonderful.

[@AlmonMalk]

One of my favorite Rangers and players of all time. He was the first Rangers superstar I remember seeing play live and I loved it

[@rochellezimmerman2641]

Josh will always be one of my favorite players of all time. His All-Star jersey from the game in NYC was the first official MLB jersey I purchased. Still have it, too. I really do wonder where he's at now, but imagine he is happiest out of the limelight. With all of the fame and notoriety that was thrown at him after joining the Rangers, it is no wonder he is at peace just being himself. I hope and pray he is doing well. Thank you for putting this together.

[@victornuno1246]

This man made 400+ ft bombs look effortless, one of the purest swings in the game. Could've been a HOF worthy career if not for his off-field issues and his battle with addiction

[@Cam23]

Definitely 💯

[@nicholasbrown4109]

See, I highly doubt it. He was injury prone and had knee problems. Even if he was clean, he wouldnt have had the longevity to make the HOF. He was also somebody who blamed ot hers for his own mistakes. I remember him blaming the 3rd base coach when he broke his arm sliding into home and I lost a lot of respect for him then, and that was in his MVP season. Then go to 2012 and he blames a slump on energy drinks and the color of his eyes. He had talent, but his flaws apart from the addictions, would have prevented him from being a hall of famer

[@jakester5272]

@@nicholasbrown4109 No doubt the drug and alcohol problems were partially to blame for his body falling apart on him early.

[@djbeezy]

The crowds reaction when Hamilton made contact in that home run derby in New York was epic!!

[@ronjamin1022]

Can still remember that 4 home run game. At the time, it was super frustrating.

[@frankguidera6828]

All time great talent with a gorgeous swing and he was clutch

[@frankguidera6828]

@Chillbillvol2 okay, however in 2 World Series he did hit six home runs, had 40 hits, 8 doubles, 27 RBIs, 14 walks and stole five bases. He had the game winning home run until the closer surrendered two runs.

[@frankguidera6828]

@Chillbillvol2 that's clutch

[@frankguidera6828]

@Chillbillvol2 I didn't say perfect

[@deadlyoneable]

He came damn close to hitting 5 home runs during the 4hr game vs the orioles. I wish he had done that and be immortalized forever.

[@carlosgarza1962]

I met Josh in my hometown in Central Texas. Josh is one of the most humble and nice person anyone could ever meet. I met him a year after he retired, he's a really great guy

[@frankguidera6828]

When Josh Hamilton was walking with Jesus there wasn't anything he could not do on the baseball field and sky was the limit for him. In God's sovereignty things did not pan out it does not subtract from how great this guy was at all. In a very short time Josh Hamilton did things on the baseball field that his contemporaries could not do and he almost hit a ball out of Yankee Stadium

[@chrisholden615]

Great video buddy!!! Another superb job🎉🎉🎉 i enjoyed seeing the resurrection of this man.. he was quite an inspiration.. keep up the fantastic content bud!

[@Cam23]

Thank you Chris! 😄

[@chrisholden615]

@@Cam23 you're very welcome! I got spoiled and got to listen to this and the Pujols one you did, today! Can't wait for the next one bud!

[@kendallevans4079]

Angel fan here, so you already know my take on this guy! All I can say is he owes this club millions of dollars

[@podcat0185]

blame that cadaver arte moreno

[@kendallevans4079]

@@podcat0185 YUP! Moreno is basically a star-struck fan with money. He knows as much about MLB as the guy working the taco wagon!

[@bdawg5415]

Josh you will always be loved

[@ChairmanMeow1]

beautiful swing

[@PhD1996]

Amazing video, I really miss those days, he was a monster of a player with a beautifully harmonic swing. Hope he has gotten better

[@Cam23]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’ve always had fond memories of Hamilton’s sweet swing and incredible power numbers. I hope he can find his way again 🤞🏼

[@texasfan54]

One of my all time favorite players. I’m lucky enough to work at job where he comes in every so often. I help him out and have conversions with him. He’s one of the coolest dudes ever!

[@Cam23]

Thank you for sharing that is really cool!

[@jamesesterline]

Hamilton probably would've had 3,000 hits and 500 homers if he hadn't fallen into drugs

[@gavynhohon2818]

Maybe, he had terrible knee problems.

[@monkeymagee2008]

Another awesome video

[@Cam23]

Thank you! 🙌🏼

[@dwaynegentry7021]

He was a amazing player my rangers should have one back to back world series in 2010/2011

[@dehnert4436]

I read his book and I definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to learn more about Hamilton.

[@Ghost-hs2im]

Was my favorite player growing up. NC native like myself and actually graduated high school with my Deddy’s cousin. Always said that if Josh could’ve stayed clean and healthy then he would’ve arguably been one of the best players to ever go through the league.

[@nofuxgiven8934]

Watcher this guy in the minors play for the charleston riverdogs, my 4 year old son now uses the signed glove by him and dwight smith(coach) at the time for teeball, might not mean much to others, but it means the world to me.

[@abeal5188]

That was great

[@wurmhat1501]

I’ve seen this guy sign autographs for an entire stadium. He’s an awesome dude.

[@paulnelson9715]

Great video. Well done. Hammy is still my favorite of all time. I still wear his 2010 World Series jersey. ⚾️

[@Cam23]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@Savies]

i was at that game at 6:51.. 2 run home run to win the game with 2 outs.. probably the best game i’ve ever been to

[@crocko101crocko]

Knew this was gonna bang. Liked before even watching

[@Cam23]

I appreciate the kind words! It means a lot to have your support of the channel

[@joshuacrouse3505]

Insane prime of Eddie Murray

[@jamesdubeck4920]

Hamilton was an extremely good ball player and was a good adversity story. Everyone was pulling for him

[@Cannadips]

DUDE WAS SUCH A BALLER

[@jimmmys555]

My favorite player.

[@Iktilellc]

The man

[@kitodelcid1588]

He was my favorite player, he’s the reason I wore 32 all throughout my playing days

[@hlcn6266]

Love the videos!! Please do Bagwell!

[@Brandon-dy1rk]

The ginger ale celebration was so wholesome

[@Cam23]

Agreed! Shows how much his teammates and the organization cared about him

[@Justanotheraccount19]

Renegades are my hometown team! They adding onto the stadium now

[@CheryleBranson]

Yeah,it's gonna be freekin awesome!!!

[@rmb199886]

I remember when he played for the Riverdogs in A ball. Guy was an awesome athlete.

[@Cam23]

Dang you saw him early on! That’s really cool

[@darioguerrero2580]

Josh Hamilton will always be one of the best players in Rangers history. It's a shame that he never won a World Series title, but he made quite the impact when he stepped up to the plate. He's the reason I became a Rangers fan and I have a T-shirt with his number on the back of it, and when I wear it back when they played in the regular season, they'd win.

[@adamant3316]

The ultimate "what could of been". Still the most raw talented baseball player I've ever seen even above KGJ

[@nicholasbrown4109]

could have or could've

[@carlosgarza1962]

Josh is a really good person. I have nothing but good things to say about him. He told me that he was just a regular guy that happened to play professional baseball

[@baseball9635]

Probably one of the most gifted players ever to play. 6"4" 235 lbs., ran like a deer, threw 97 mph and hit for average and mind-blowing power (500' homers). Talked to a NY Yankee scout once, he said his talent was ridiculous. "He hit a ball once, a line shot seamed over the 2nd baseman's head he thought was going to be a single in the gap. It cleared the RF fence."

[@bravesfan293147]

Josh was a beast when he was right. I did like watching him play. Can you do one for Ken Caminetti? He had a good career I thought, but sadly passed away...😢

[@Juanky3379]

Yeah for the next the insane prime CANSECO THE FREAKING BEAST

[@62catamount]

The fact that his teammates understood and celebrated with ginger ale really touched me. What a great and wonderful group of teammates!

[@Cam23]

Texas looked out for Josh! 🙌🏼

[@thorsenkristufek7557]

My goat

[@RobSmith-ye3rk]

As much talent as anyone I’ve seen

[@terrelldavis3864]

I'm still waiting for Mike Piazza prime video. He was drafted in the 62nd round and is the only player. In MLB history to be drafted that late and make it to the Hall of fame.

[@notsoperfectdrummer]

Such an inspiring story. Really sad to see people romanticize drugs because of reasons like this.

[@wesjones565]

Great job as usual! Please do one on Shawn Green

[@Cam23]

Thank you, and great suggestion!

[@JMPIMP254]

Can you do one with Jeff Mathis? That would be amazing!@@Cam23

[@abaofifsz]

2011 team may have not won ws but that was the best rangers squad ever.

[@gabrielwendell8382]

like to see the prime of Mcgwire crazy HR/AB ratio from 1995-2001

[@Cam23]

McGwire’s prime would go crazy 😮

[@bradhorowitz2765]

Nomad Garcippia should be next. Also, screw Josh Hamilton. The minute he put his hands on his wife and kids-he deserves to be a memory that slithers away. So someone who actually deserves to be recognized for great play.

[@joshuapatrick682]

well it doesn't take long to see who inspired Hamilton as a lefty at the plate...I recognize Junior's swing mechanics anywhere.

[@justinanderson8421]

On Friday, Aug 13th 2010 against Boston, Hamilton went 4-5 with a double, a HR, a SB, and 4 runs including scoring the game tying run from 2nd on an infield single. He made three highlight reel catches in the outfield. Texas won 10-9 in extra innings. I’ve never seen a player dominate a game in so many ways like he did that night.

[@Cam23]

He could change a game in so many ways during his prime. 2010 was incredibly special

[@Fatboypeet]

I remember when he first started with the rangers… he was really Griffey II. I hope he’s at peace now

[@jakester5272]

I love his swing and talent so much. I wished he never got into drugs.

[@thesandman8669]

he was just casually shopping around in Academy so I took a picture with him 3 years ago

[@redmustangredmustang]

For those few years between 2009 to 2012 he was the best out there. I really thought his 2 run homer in game 6 was the clincher. Sadly the bullpen let us down. The worst part is that the demons consumed him again with the drugs and alcohol. At least the smart thing is he's staying out of the lime light.

[@joshuapatrick682]

it's tough to see an all time talent go to waste like that. I saw my first cousin who was the most gifted musician I've ever seen (could play any thing he heard just once almost perfectly) it really was a shame to see him die young because of drugs....

[@Cam23]

I’m sorry to hear that, I firmly believe that most of us know someone who has battled with alcohol or drugs

[@Brhoward31]

He was legit LeBron James of baseball. it was CRAZY. Fun Fact, I had the whole upper deck booing me when Hamilton hit that second homer @ Yankee stadium during the ALCS

[@lowe_the_showe202]

Bro had the most potential I've ever seen

[@josel.martinez8649]

Thank you Josh Hamilton for your contribution with the Texas Rangers . 😊

[@bbuildingfan01]

Ken Griffey Jr. Has the sweetest swing. Daryl strawberry is right behind him and I must say that Josh Hamilton is right there in 3rd. But of course we can't forget Ted Williams and Stan musual so they might be first and second. Awesome video. Could you please do a video on the Molina Brothers? Which one is the best? Catcher and also Jose Bautista how he just became an average or below average player and then became a superstar.

[@nickmartyn9610]

Man the dude had over 1000 hits in seven seasons he could’ve easily been in the hall it kills me cause the dude made trout an Bryce look like rookies

[@Live01Legends]

It's crazy how drugs and alcohol are more fun than playing in the World Series, being MVP, and winning the Home Run Derby.

[@SconnerStudios]

Got his 1999 Topps Traded rookie card 10/10 PSA at a card show around 2006 or 2007 for $1 at a card show a seller had in a bargain bin (also an Adrian Beltre PSA 9 Topps Chrome rookie for $1 from the same seller). I only got them because he they were graded. Turns out Joshy decided to become one of the best MLB players of his era in the following several years. Oh and that Adrian Beltre guy turned out from looking like a dud who had a couple decent years to one of the greatest third basemen of all time and upcoming Hall of Fame first ballot candidate. Always look in the bargain bin, baseball fans, you might just get a gem (or two).

[@noahgabriel4627]

In my opinion, Hamilton prime was 2010-2012 those were his best years of playing baseball it’s just sad how it all ended he could’ve been one of the best baseball players

[@bigsmokiee55]

Bobby Jenks had a very great start to his career. Won a world series. Closer against a powerful AL in the playoffs.

[@aarond23]

Josh had a great little peak there....sorry he had demons, hope he's doing ok now. Life is way more important than baseball.

[@briangellman407]

Josh's 4 HR game, the other AB was a ground rule double (so technically it left the ballpark). Even more incredible, if my memory serves me, his last AB the game before, and first AB the game after were also HRs. So that would be 6HR and a ground rule double in 7 consecutive ABs.

[@crits7790]

This...... This is my Childhood Texas Rangers. Man i wish they won that 2011 WS

[@jaleeldean8407]

2023 title was for those early 2010s teams

[@wilburwood8261]

Dwight Gooden, Ted Kluszewski and George Foster had insane prime as well.

[@CA_88]

Dude was a sauce legend 😂

[@TheMick126]

had he left the $#!+ alone he could've been the best he never fully got over that wreck & the pressure of the game

[@maxdubs2241]

Roy Silver was friends and high school teammates with my dad. He’s the one responsible for him being able to have this insane prime at all.

[@Cam23]

Definitely 💯

[@crandolph3319]

Top 5 Most Talented Player of the last 70 years: Hamilton, ARod, Bonds, Mantle and Mays

[@Chuckclc]

Amazing while he lasted.

[@FearnLoathinnnyc]

Wouldn’t mind seeing the insane prime of Albert Belle.

[@haroldmurrayDFW]

ARLINGTON, TEXAS WAS ALWAYS A BASEBALL TOWN!!

[@larryblancet2538]

I believe it was Josh Beckett who was selected second in the draft to Hamilton if memory serves me correctly. Of course, unlike Hamilton, Beckett chose to pitch rather than be an everyday player, and also had great success.

[@Academikk]

Could you do one of these for Tim Lincecum? Another player with an insane prime that wasn't able to keep it going long enough for the hall of fame

[@Cam23]

He definitely fits the bill, he’s a player I’m looking forward to making a video about

[@tugwinthrop7424]

Rip Wheeler was crazy talented as a young man.

[@hempbox-ec4xq]

Can you do the insane prime of Yadier Molina pls

[@Foodmancing]

I actually feel bad, when he was a minor leaguer in Charleston we used to party so hard and he always picked up the tab especially at Moe’s crosstown

[@xgrvvv]

Hey man I would love to see an Edgar Renteria video as he's from my hometown, it would make me really happy as he was one of the first players that helped me, as a colombian to fall in love with baseball!