Former #1 overall pick Josh Hamilton cleared to play again...

[dabomb2045]

After 4 years of injuries/personal issues/drug addiction, this kid is finally gonna be able to get on the field and play again. I saw him play the year he was drafted (1999) up close and dealt with him on a daily basis. He was one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I really hope he is clean, and can make something out of his career....he is only 25, and still has time.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2505944


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Troubled Tampa Bay prospect Josh Hamilton, on the restricted list the last two seasons, received permission from Major League Baseball on Friday to play in minor league games the rest of the year.


The Devil Rays were expected to announce later in the day where Hamilton will be assigned.

The 25-year-old Hamilton, the overall No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft, was suspended in February 2004 for violating baseball's drug policy. The outfielder hasn't played since July 2002 because of injuries and unspecified personal issues.

[hellonewman]

Going to Hudson Valley, short-season A, New York-Penn League. Welcome to the valley Josh, stay clean.

[In Mo I Trust]

Hopefully is life is back in order.

[dabomb2045]

Going to Hudson Valley, short-season A, New York-Penn League. Welcome to the valley Josh, stay clean.

Is he really?? This is where I saw him play when I worked for HV back in 1999.

[yankeesmarc923]

saw a great piece on ESPN Outside the Lines on Hamilton. i didnt know much about him before this piece, but from what it looks like, this guy can really play.

[DontHateOnNumber2]

He'll undergo drug tests 3 times a week. Good. Hopefully he'll stay clean and work his way up to the majors.

[penfold]

I wish him luck. Somebody posted a link to a terrific set of articles about Hamilton maybe a year or two ago. I think they were in the St. Petersburg Times and the articles were even older. Carl Crawford was still in the minors when the reporter worked on the story.

Staying clean and sober is extremely difficult. I really hope he manages to do that. For his own sake and for his family's. Baseball is only secondary -- but I wish him well there, too.