Beyond Belief...

In honor of a week in which Josh Hamilton's performance can be described by baseball enthusiasts as Beyond Belief, I would like to share one of the essays I wrote for my MLB Fancave application this year.  It is only fitting that Josh end his week on the diamond for the Sunday night ESPN came of the week.  The game is currently in progress so by the time you read this, he may have set another record.  Josh started off the week with a home run on Monday against the Orioles, only to be overshadowed by a 5 for 5 day on Tuesday with a miraculous four home runs.  Wednesday's activities on the diamond were all fun, as the game was postponed due to rain and Josh and his teammates turned the field into a slip and slide.  He ended the week with a single home run on Thursday, two on Friday and one on Saturday which made him one of only two players to collect 18 homers in the first 34 games.  Each time he was interviewed this week, Josh was humbled, composed, and thankful.
With that, I share my essay in response to the question: Who is the most interesting player in the game today and why?  I know it strays a little from the sports world and stumbles into the emotional world, but try to take a little something away from it if you can.  And so enough of my ramble, and on to the essay:

“I am proof that hope is never lost.”  Josh Hamilton 2007

Beyond belief is how I describe the stories I have heard and the people behind them I have cared for over the past twelve years.  My nursing career has taught me to empathize with people in crisis, while learning how to comfort them and not judge them.  Second chances in a battle with cancer, a battle with an eating disorder, a battle with addiction, a battle with life, are important and often don’t come easy.  I have come to realize that those who are given a second chance, are lucky and often inspiring. 

Thus, when Josh Hamilton reemerged in the major league in 2007, my interest was immediately heightened.  His story was intangible and so unbelievable that most people initially doubted his ability to succeed.  Yet, I found myself routing hard for him to defy the odds and become bigger than the sport itself.  His story combined two of the things I am most passionate about, my career and sports.  As Josh’s torrid 2008 season progressed, I became a Rangers fan and watched as his teammates, his opponents, and his fans united in support of him.  As he smacked homerun after homerun out of Yankee stadium in the homerun derby, I remember feeling a sense of comfort and accomplishment, as I watched his smile gleam at the plate.  It was even more inspirational knowing that he chose a childhood mentor from Raleigh to share the spotlight with as his pitcher.  Josh was sending a message to all of America that second chances do happen and dreams do come true. 

I continued to cheer for Josh and bartered to get him on all my fantasy teams as he became a powerhouse in the league.  I read all the stories about him online and also read his own publication, Beyond Belief. On July 7th of this past season, I was heading home from Fenway when I read on twitter that a fan was seriously injured in Arlington after falling out of the stands while reaching over to catch a ball thrown to him from the outfield.  Somehow as soon as I heard the story, I knew that it was Josh who threw the ball.  But I also knew that Josh was strong enough to overcome the tragedy, and that in the process he would touch the life of others.  He once again emerged as a leader for his organization, led his team to the last game of the MLB season, and most importantly honored that fan’s son in a World Series game.  His presence was felt by all, both baseball and non- baseball fans, as he once again displayed that he never takes for granted one day on the diamond, one breath, or one moment.  His determination wins games, championships, and the hearts of so many. 

“You see, I may not know how I got here from there, but every day I get a better understanding of why.”

-CL