What’s been the matter with Josh Hamilton for the last couple months? Chewing tobacco, according to Hamilton.
Josh Hamilton’s ‘Personal Problem’: Chewing Tobacco
This led to all sorts of speculation, but Jon Heyman has the scoop:
Hamilton spoke recently about his disappointment in himself about an undisclosed personal matter, and sources say the tobacco is what he was talking about — and possibly a little bit about his disappointment in not being as disciplined at the plate in recent weeks, too.
Hamilton, in conjunction with the team, is expected to clear this up Friday afternoon, as speculation about much more serious matters had grown rampant since Hamilton lamented a personal issue a few days ago in a local newspaper interview.
Hamilton, who is batting .283 with 29 home runs and 84 RBIs, has slumped since trying to quit chewing tobacco. He has tried several times, according to people close to him.
Read Article >There Exists A Josh Hamilton Mystery
Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton twirls his bat in the on deck circle during a game at Rangers Ballpark. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE Between the first day of the season and the last day of May, Hamilton batted .368 with a 1.184 OPS. He had 21 home runs, over just 207 trips to the plate. Hamilton was an unstoppable force, generating national headline after national headline, and journalists fell all over themselves trying to write the next story about how Hamilton’s next contract could be unprecedentedly insane.
Since the beginning of June, Hamilton has batted .202 with a .687 OPS. Eight home runs, 198 plate appearances. Not long ago, Hamilton was hearing boos, at home, in response to his performance. Those journalists have quieted down. The hyperbole has quieted down. Now we have Josh Hamilton in an extended slump during which he’s been striking out entirely too often.
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