There are about 5 years and $125 million reasons why Texas Rangers fans should cheer Josh Hamilton when he comes back to Arlington to play for the second most hated team in Texas Rangers fandom. (Sorry Angels, you may be our biggest rival but we hate the Yankees more.). If, however, your favorite team not being saddled with the stupid-money contract isn't enough how about these:
*Josh Hamilton played his heart out for this club for 4 1/2 of his 5 years here. Yes, I realize his "eye sight" problems got the best of him just when the Rangers needed him most last year but the Rangers knew who Josh Hamilton was when they traded for him. Speaking of that:
*Josh Hamilton clearly became a distraction at the end of his time in Texas. The movie deal, eye problems, and odd Jesus talk became a little tired. I say odd because the Rangers have other players who are Christians and I can't think of a time when David Murphy or Craig Gentry gave an interview saying God told them to stop wearing high socks or listening to Maroon 5 if they want to get their swing back. I am a fairly faithful person but God just has never taken away anything to get me to do something. I don't know maybe Josh is Job or maybe he is confused but he can be confused somewhere else now.
*When push comes to shove Josh Hamilton was a big reason why this team went to back to back World Series. Don't get me wrong, he didn't carry them. Let's not forget however that he almost hit the World Series winning home run in 2011. Let's not forget that he was almost our hero.
*For everything he did at the end of last season to frustrate Rangers fans and yes he did frustrate me at the end too. (I may have been among those who boo'd him after his final at-bat in Texas and I am not proud of that.) Don't forget his amazing spring. Don't forget the many walk-offs. Don't forget there are people in Texas who have free floors and new kitchen countertops because of Josh. Never forget how many half-price pizzas Josh gave us over the last 5 years.
*The Josh Hamilton off field antics are no longer Ranger fans problem. Thank you for the Body Shot pictures Josh and thanks for making me giggle every time I go into the bathroom at Sherlocks now. Feel free to take the show to LA. They probably love your brand of crazy. You and Adam Levine can compare body art!
*Katie Hamilton single handedly kept the hair bleach business booming for the last 5 years. God Bless your over dyed head Katie!
*We all enjoyed those Ginger Ale celebrations courtesy of Josh and CJ.
If all of that isn't enough to make you cheer for Josh Hamilton or at the very least, not boo him, how about this:
*Josh Hamilton thinks we are ignorant football fans who aren't smart enough to know what he did for us.
*Josh Hamilton wants us to Boo to prove to the entire world how stupid we really are.
*Josh Hamilton has spent his entire spring training talking AT Rangers fans to make sure we all know how stupid he thinks we really are because he wants us to boo. Why does he want us to boo? Because Josh is trying to prove to himself that he made the right decision going to LA.
Hear me Rangers nation. If you really want to send Josh Hamilton a message do NOT boo, cheer! Cheer him because he left us. Cheer him for the 5 years he gave us. Cheer him because he wants you to boo and prove him right. Cheer him because it is the right thing to do.
When I see Josh Hamilton on Opening Day, I will be cheering him for all of those reasons and because in the end, I AM a real baseball fan and I love the Texas Rangers.
Simply,
Laura
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I like this. A very honest look back at Josh. I definitely got tired of his act at the end (esp off the field - I tried to believe that he was as frustrated with his performance on the field, as we were). But he and yes, CJ were big reasons for our success in recent years. I probably won't cheer or boo & I certainly don't wish him to fall back into drugs. I don't think we did enough to replace his threat of power at the plate, but I feel a sense of relief that he is no longer our problem. Very well written!
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
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