Josh Hamilton, Still Battling Relapse Demons, Seen Drinking at Dallas Area Bar [UPDATE]

All, Baseball Jason Lisk February 2nd. 2012, 9:15pm

According to the Dallas Morning News, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton had a relapse this last week in his battle against drug and alcohol addiction, and was seen drinking in an area bar on Monday night. The Rangers organization’s only comment was that they “were aware of the situation.” No word on how serious it was, though with someone with Hamilton’s troubled history, any relapse is a concern.

Hamilton’s last reported relapse was in January of 2009. Last year, he battled injuries for the AL Champion Rangers. He also dealt with the Shannon Stone tragedy when he threw a ball to a fan, who slipped and fell to his death, and later, Hamilton caught an emotional first pitch from Cooper Stone.

Alcoholism and drug abuse is a rough battle, and here’s hoping this is just a minor hurdle and Hamilton immediately gets the help he needs.

[UPDATE: Via reader Matt, here are two tweets from females this week who claim to have been at a bar in Dallas with Hamilton and his teammate, Ian Kinsler. The Dallas Morning News did not name the bar Hamilton was allegedly at, so there's no way to confirm their story. And neither tweet confirms Hamilton was consuming alcohol, either.]

[photo via Getty]

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61 Responses to “Josh Hamilton, Still Battling Relapse Demons, Seen Drinking at Dallas Area Bar [UPDATE]”

1
jdeeser5 Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:20 PM
Is there any good news to report besides Blake Griffin’s non dunk?
2
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:20 PM
Can’t make a person stay sober. Hope his family can cope.
3
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:26 PM
Yikes. That’s some bad news. I hope this all ends ok, but I have a feeling it won’t. I thought he wasn’t supposed to be carrying any money?
4
captain_spalding Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:29 PM
Bad time to hit bottle with FA and last chance to get big money lingering
5
CodenameDuchess Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Being famous in the time of camera phones, twitter, and tabloid journalism must suck. For all we know the dude had a bud light and a burger while watching a game. This is the equivalent of some paparazzi seeing Charlie Sheen past midnight and TMZ running a story that he’s losing control again.
6
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Waiting for mrejr to come in and say he should just fucking die and get it over with in 3, 2, 1……
7
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:31 PM
For all we know the dude had a bud light and a burger while watching a game.
No. He can’t drink. At all. That guy is sick.
8
ATL_Badger Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:33 PM
we know the dude had a bud light and a burger
Yeah. And given his history, that’s something that can’t happen if he wants to stay sober. It’s not the same thing as you cracking a cold one after work.
9
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:36 PM
For all we know the dude had a bud light and a burger while watching a game.
Not quite how sobriety works in my experience. He also could say he’s not sober and doesn’t plan to be. When you’re an MVP candidate looking for huge bucks and talk about your sobriety in the papers, this is what happens.
Staying sober for him is going to be something that he deals with almost every day of his life. This could be a plea for help.
Nobody’s saying sobriety is easy.
10
VladimirCrouton Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:36 PM
Let him have a drink. Jesus has his back.
11
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:37 PM
For all we know the dude had a bud light and a burger while watching a game.
John Daly logic from the 1990′s.
12
HakeemtheDream Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:38 PM
This makes me sad.
13
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:38 PM
Let him have a drink. Jesus has his back.
Jesus has everybody’s back in recovery. They force him on you. Then 8 out of 10 addicts have a relapse.
14
CodenameDuchess Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:38 PM
I get what you are all saying, especially considering Ballz (the old smack hound) probably knows more about this than anyone, certainly me. But when he went off the wagon the last time did anything unfortunate happen? No, he caught a buzz, flirted, and potentially banged a couple groupies. If it wasn’t for the culture we live in today nobody would have been the wiser. Had Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth played today they would both have probably been kicked out of the league by now.
15
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Staying sober for him is going to be something that he deals with almost every day of his life. This could be a plea for help.
Nobody’s saying sobriety is easy.
And it always happens in the off-season. Fella needs to play some winter ball in Puerto Rico or something.
16
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:42 PM
I getcha Codename but if he wants to be a private figure and hit the bottle then he should decline interviews – especially his views on sobriety, etc then right?
17
Some Random Old Retired Dude Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:42 PM
I’ll admit. I’m torn. I’ve known a few folk who have struggled with this addiction. Part of me wants to weep, while another part of me wants to say “tough love is the only answer”.
He has made his struggle public, and a lot of people are rooting for him to succeed in his efforts to stay sober.
Will we show the same grace when we encounter another person struggling with alcoholism? When it’s a co-worker or neighbor, will we root for them like we root for Hamilton?
18
phillymantis915 Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Feel bad for the dude, sucks that such an amazing talent has to battle this.
19
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:45 PM
But when he went off the wagon the last time did anything unfortunate happen? No, he caught a buzz, flirted, and potentially banged a couple groupies.
I’m sure he came very close to ruining his marriage and collapsing his whole support structure. We don’t hear about any of that shit.
20
VladimirCrouton Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:46 PM
Hey Nolan,
Buy Josh a small, small Island with some food, weights, and baseballs. Let him practice solitude and befriend inanimate objects!
21
CodenameDuchess Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:48 PM
I getcha Codename but if he wants to be a private figure and hit the bottle then he should decline interviews – especially his views on sobriety, etc then right?
I agree completely, don’t get on that soapbox if you can’t live up to it. I just feel bad for these people because the attention is much more prevalent now.
I bet guys like Lawrence Taylor and Dwight Gooden see this shit and laugh their ass off at how good they had it in the 80′s.
22
CodenameDuchess Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:50 PM
I’m sure he came very close to ruining his marriage and collapsing his whole support structure. We don’t hear about any of that shit.
Every athlete comes close if not straight destroys that wall. Kobe didn’t need booze to destroy a marriage. Most athletes don’t.
23
VladimirCrouton Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:51 PM
The Indians will take him.
24
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:54 PM
I’m sure he came very close to ruining his marriage and collapsing his whole support structure. We don’t hear about any of that shit.
This.

When it’s a co-worker or neighbor, will we root for them like we root for Hamilton?
1 family member sober 10 years, another a functioning alcoholic. It helps to provide a good support system but in the end it’s that person’s battle. Cemeteries are littered with young people who’s mama’s prayed the Novena every night.
It’s too cloudy to say if baseball is helping him stay sober or if it’s hurting him at this point.
IMO he should stop talking about it. Recovery is hard enough as it is. Being a role model for others in their sober battles is too much pressure. Everybody’s got to do their own heavy lifting.
25
José Ovechkin Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:57 PM
How did he not relapse after that little boys father died? It wasn’t his fault or anything, but I think I would’ve went into a drunken stupor for a fortnight or two.
26
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:58 PM
Every athlete comes close if not straight destroys that wall. Kobe didn’t need booze to destroy a marriage. Most athletes don’t.
It’s easier to stick it out with a rich adulterous athlete than it is to live with an addict.
27
HakeemtheDream Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:59 PM
The Indians will take him.
LOL
28
Ballz Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:02 PM
How did he not relapse after that little boys father died? It wasn’t his fault or anything, but I think I would’ve went into a drunken stupor for a fortnight or two.
I’m sure the clubhouse environment had a lot to do with it.
29
Chief Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:03 PM
This makes me sad.
Yeah, that’s just my feeling too. Alcohol dependence is some tough shit.
30
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:03 PM
The Indians will take him.
Matt Laporta’s reign of terror is likely over. (Well, until they designate him to AAA for a year). KOTCHMAN, 2012 MVP.
31
Wally's World Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:07 PM
If I remember reading correctly, Hamilton’s “guide” left to take a job with another team at the end of the season. That can’t be good for Josh. This story seems to back it up.
I can’t imagine the demons that dude fights on a daily basis. It’s something that 99.9% of us cannot imagine.
32
VladimirCrouton Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:08 PM
The Indians now have an embarrassment of riches at 1B with LaPorta, Canzler and Kotchman.
/2012 AL Central Champs
33
Mantis Toboggan Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Drink yourself into an oblivion so your damaged goods, and then the Pirates can sign you next year for your next comeback.
/i’m desperate
34
Wally's World Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Matt Laporta’s reign of terror is likely over. (Well, until they designate him to AAA for a year). KOTCHMAN, 2012 MVP.
I’m meh on Kotchman. Better than LaPorta, especially in the field.
I like the Tribe’s pickup of Canzler from TB last week. He was the IL MVP last year. He may be the 1B by the end of the year next year, if everything works out right for the Tribe.
35
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:17 PM
I just went and looked at Darryl Strawberry’s career. Man he was sick for the first 9 years of his career. Classic lefty power hitter.
36
YYSA Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:21 PM
He should have never done that Reilly interview.
37
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:26 PM
Oh I’d much rather have Kotchman than Canzler. Those AAA MVP are such for a reason, (see Jordan Brown).
38
Some Random Old Retired Dude Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:29 PM
scripty, for that era, Strawberry was fearsome. I really enjoyed watching him hit. Lean, but wiry strong. Could have been similar to Ted Williams, if he could have stayed clean and focused.
39
captain_spalding Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:30 PM
amare for three??
HAHAHA
40
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Kotchman will be nice in the infield. Kipinis is weak out there. And they’ll have Chisenhall making his share of errors at 3rd. But end of games have Hannahan and Kotchman in, should help the cause.
41
Rat Face Krzyzewski Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:36 PM
If it’s true that he was drinking and Kinsler was with him then that is pretty disturbing. Everyone on that team is aware of the skeletons in Hamilton’s closet and it’s a big failure for any of them to condone that behaviour.
42
payaso Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:42 PM
Cocaine is a helluva drug. And Jesus is a helluva crutch.
43
vezina Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:09 PM
If I remember reading correctly, Hamilton’s “guide” left to take a job with another team at the end of the season. That can’t be good for Josh. This story seems to back it up.
you saying kinsler don’t know his way around the strip?
44
vezina Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:10 PM
The Indians now have an embarrassment of riches at 1B with LaPorta, Canzler and Kotchman.
the tiggers are embarrassed to have miggy and fielder at 1B too
45
scripty Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Fielder is going Mo Vaughn, wiping out in the dugout, 1st play of 2012
46
vezina Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:46 PM
i get it now. scriptwriter = scripty.
sharp as a tack
47
countolaf Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:00 AM
Someone introduce him to Tim Tebow. Tebow will learn’em the evils of Sex, Booze, Drugs and an Accurate Arm. And supply him with a good ole heepin’ helpin’ of WWJD?
48
PL StabbinKabin Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:54 AM
. He also dealt with the Shannon Stone tragedy when he threw a ball to a fan, who slipped and fell to his death, and later, Hamilton caught an emotional first pitch from Cooper Stone
What the fuck does this have to do with his relapse, Lisk? Bush league to bring it up.
49
PL StabbinKabin Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 3:14 AM
If it’s true that he was drinking and Kinsler was with him then that is pretty disturbing. Everyone on that team is aware of the skeletons in Hamilton’s closet and it’s a big failure for any of them to condone that behaviour.
Kinsler is a classic enabler… If this is the case, it runs deeper in the club house than just Hamilton’s addiction.
50
oskie Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 6:05 AM
One day at a time, one moment at time. There, but for the grace of God, go I.
51
mizerle06 is mcintyred of all the trollin' Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 7:46 AM
One day at a time, one moment at time. There, but for the grace of God, go I.
that sounds like a poem, but it doesn’t rhyme at all. so it sucks.
52
oskie Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 7:47 AM
you know what? you suck!
53
coop247 Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 7:49 AM
Recently found out an old friend picked up a 3rd DUI. I mean one happens, two you just really like to party, 3 and you’re not a responsible member of society and we can no longer associate. And youre in jail. Dumbass.
54
mizerle06 is mcintyred of all the trollin' Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:04 AM
you know what? you suck!
only figuratively though, not literally.
55
dikembemutomballs Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:17 AM
I’m sure being sober sucks, especially as a professional athlete, but I do hope he finds the strength to continue fighting the battle For me it’s difficult to go after the guy for it because on one hand you can say “Based on all the demons he’s battled is drinking a few beers a big deal?” That said, the other hand knows one slip can take you back down the entire slippery slope. Good thing pitchers and catchers report soon, as it seems Hamilton does better when surrounded by the structure of the day to day activities of a baseball club.
Side note – if you’re Kinsler and know his demons do you go out in public and slug beers with him? Just seems like a bad idea on Kinsler’s part.
56
oskie Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:20 AM
I’m sure being sober sucks,
not compared to the alternative for the alcoholic
57
RexKramerDangerSeeker Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:30 AM
The linked article says Kinsler apparently came to the bar to get Hamilton out of there.
58
oskie Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:32 AM
hey rex, don’t ruin the sensationalism of the story.
59
46yearslump Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:06 AM
. He also dealt with the Shannon Stone tragedy when he threw a ball to a fan, who slipped and fell to his death, and later, Hamilton caught an emotional first pitch from Cooper Stone
What the fuck does this have to do with his relapse, Lisk? Bush league to bring it up.
You think he doesn’t in some way feel responsible for that little kids dad being dead? Perfectly legitimate point to bring up for a recovering addict. Anything emotional at all can help lead to a relapse.
60
oskie Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:49 AM
You think he doesn’t in some way feel responsible for that little kids dad being dead? Perfectly legitimate point to bring up for a recovering addict. Anything emotional at all can help lead to a relapse.
while true, it is more of a sensational angle to suggest that it led his relapse. should have left it be.
61
josh hamilton's tats Says:
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:37 AM
My favorite baseball player of all time. You are at the top of your profession and can’t trust your self to have more than $20 in your pocket. That will be a never ending struggle.