
Remember a few months ago when Josh Hamilton had become America's darling? He had fought his way back from drug addiction to lead the Majors in home runs and RBI at the All-Star break with 21 long balls and 95 runs driven in. Then during the break, he thrilled us all with the performance he put on during the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, crushing 28 homers in the first round before losing to Justin Morneau in the final.
Unfortunately for Josh, he did suffer a bit of the Home Run Derby Curse afterwards, as he hit only 11 more homers and knocked in only 35 runs afterward, but he was still the feel good story of 2008 in baseball. Of course, Josh doesn't just want to be the story of 2008, and he'd like to continue amazing baseball fans in 2009 which is why he won't be accepting any invitations to join the United States' team in the World Baseball Classic this spring.
"If I had four or five years under my belt, I think I would do it," said Hamilton. "I think I would be better served by going to spring training and by getting that work in, because I missed so much time.
"I was excited about it," Hamilton said about the possibility of playing for the U.S. in March. "I wanted to do it, especially with the chance to play with a guy like Derek Jeter. I think the next time it comes around I'd love to play."
While some people may not be happy with Hamilton for this decision, I agree with him here. When you think of all the time he's missed because of his drug addiction and suspension, if he feels he needs to spend more time working on his game to make himself the player he can be, then we should let him. After all, he only has a contract with the Texas Rangers, not the United States.
I mean, at least he isn't ditching the country he grew up in and called home all of his life to go play for the Dominican Republic or something, right A-Rod?
Josh Hamilton Won't Be Playing in the WBC originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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