Looking Beyond the Tatoos

     This weeks post isn't about a recent story, or a big game. It's about a big name bringing honor and glory to an even bigger name....God. I know what your thinking, and no it's not Tim Tebow. Everyone knows the story of Tim Tebow. Grew up in church, went on countless mission trips, and became known around the world by professing his faith on his eye black during football games. Theecause  man i'm talking about may not look like a Christian at first sight, but that's because his life-changing experience happened later on in his life.

     Josh Hamilton, out fielder for the MLB team, the Texas Rangers, began his struggle with drug and alchohol addiction in 2001 after a car crash that involved his mother and father. Hamilton found out about drugs and alchohol after experimenting at a tatoo parlor. Hamilton was a tremendous baseball player, ending his high school baseball career with a .529 BA, 13 HR, 34 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. His addiction, however, would come back to haunt him in 2003. During spring training in 2003, Hamilton failed his drug test and was suspended at the beginning of the regular season for 30 games. Failed drug test after failed drug test, hindered Hamilton from starting his ML career.

     Hamilton began his career, finally, and became clean after being confronted by his grandmother, Mary Holt. In 2008 Hamilton had not had not had a drug since Oct. 2005. "It's a God thing", Hamilton said when asked about his recovery. He firmly believes that God helped him through this period of his life and frequently talks to groups and fans about his beliefs and his God. He was recently in one of the "I Am Second" videos, and tells of the struggles of alchohol and drug addiction in his life and talks about how building a relationship with God helped him through all of it. Hamilton was married to his wife, Katie, in 2004 and has 3 daughters with Katie. Sierra Elise, the oldest, Michaela Grace and Stella Faith, the youngest.

     Hamilton is a born again Christian and has one of the greatest testimonies in the world of sports. Hamilton's teammates--who knew of his addictions and struggles--have celebrated past major events (such as beating the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series; and beating the Yankees in the American League Championship Series) with ginger ale instead of champagne, due to the impact of Hamilton's testimony. Hamilton has not had a drug or a sip of alchohol since 2005, and he plans to keep it that way. Hamilton had one of his best years, despite being kicked out of the playoffs, and ended this year with 43 HR and 121 RBIs--2nd in the MLB in both categories. Looking beyond the tatoos and beyond the past struggles, Josh Hamilton is my role model and I hope I can have as great a relationship, with God, as Hamilton does and have the same strength through struggles and temptations that he has had all of these years.

Its about time!

     Before the start of the NFL regular season last year, all of the players went into a "lockout" (strike). Most fans didn't think there would be an NFL season. Many people wondered how someone who made millions could want or even need more money. Eventually, the players on a budget with the league and the players returned just in time for the pre-season. Now, your probably wondering why i'm talking to you about something that happened last year; but something similar happened again this year.

     At the start of this season, everyone thought, since the lockout had ended last year, that this would be the perfect season; but I don't think they saw this coming. The leagues referrees went into a lockout this time. Just like the players, the refs didn't think they were getting enough money; but $80,000 a year might make an average person pretty happy. Now, most people might not think that it's that big a deal, but I think the fans would disagree. Controversial call after controversial call-- were the top stories on Sportscenter day after day and everyone knew why.....The "replacements". These refs averaged 15.0 penalties per game.....per team! Players were fined, coaches were fined, and fans were furious.

     This past week the "Real Refs" , and the commissioner, agreed to a budget for the referees for huture years and to avoid future lockouts. The referees were given a standing ovation this past Thursday at the Ravens and Browns game and said that they were glad to be back. I wonder why??