Texas Rangers’ Hamilton still keeping the faith

By JEFF WILSON

jwilson@star-telegram.com

Josh Hamilton will be the first to admit that he’s no Clay Council, the batting-practice ace who threw to the Texas Rangers’ center fielder in the 2008 Home Run Derby.

And Hamilton isn’t likely to get any argument from the three batters he plunked while throwing BP at an instructional youth camp on a perfect November Saturday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

"I can’t throw it soft over the plate," Hamilton said. "I’ve got to throw it harder."

While a little rusty on the mound, Hamilton said the back injury that plagued him at the end of the season is better. A series of tests showed that no nerves are being pinched, and he has been cleared to begin off-season workouts Monday.

Unlike last year when he trained in Arizona leading up to the season, Hamilton said he plans to work with Rangers strength and conditioning coach Jose Vazquez. Hamilton said Vazquez knows the injuries he suffered last season and will put together a better regimen.

Not all of the 112 camp participants got to face Hamilton, but they all heard him speak about the things that are important to him on the baseball field and his faith.

His relationship with Jesus Christ has helped him following the death of his grandmother Nov. 7 after battling cancer. Hamilton arrived at Mary Holt’s door in October 2005 after a drug binge, and she took him in and got him started on the road to recovery.

"Everybody needs a Granny," he said. "Not just anybody can express the love she expressed to me. That’s what’s life is about. People are going to make mistakes, but you know what? It’s not going to be the last mistake they’re going to make."

What does the opportunity to host a youth baseball camp mean to you?

It reminds me of when I was the age of the kids. It’s good for them to be out here learning these skills and learning them the right way. Most of all, I’m going to talk about character and what it takes to be a good team. And a relationship with Christ. I’m going to tell them about that and who I am and what he’s done in my life. I’m going to let them know that they’ve got a friend with them at all times if they know Christ. That’s the goal today.

Your grandmother was the one who helped you start to turn your life around. What will you remember most about her?

The pastor who did the service asked, "What are a couple words to describe Granny?" I just said, "Relentless love." Even though I might not have been doing what I needed to do, she never stopped loving me. Another one was, "encouragement." She always encouraged me and said good things to me to let me know that I was a better person than I was being. Those are two things that were instrumental in me finally seeing the light.

You’ve had a chance to reflect on last season. What have you taken away from it?

The only thing I can take away from it is it didn’t go the way I wanted it to go. The team did great. But next season starts right now. Ultimately, I can’t take my eyes off the Lord. Just keep praying about what happened and the lessons to learn from it and apply those to next year. Maybe be a little smarter in the outfielder and try not to hit the wall running full speed.

How is your back?

It’s good. I’m going to start working out Monday. I had a scan done where they inject dye into your spine, and they said it looked good and there’s nothing new that is causing problems. Most of the things I’m feeling now are muscular, stiffness and soreness. I don’t expect it to plague me or bother me.

Jeff Wilson, 817-390-7760

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