Reds fans welcome Hamilton with standing-O
April 3rd, 2007Josh Hamilton got a warm welcome in his first Major League at-bat yesterday.
In that moment, he hadn’t done anything yet as a major leaguer. His at-bat in the eighth inning of the Cincinnati Reds’ 5-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Monday was the first of his career.
It’s what he had already accomplished in his personal life — getting his cocaine addiction under control, getting his life back on track — that made the crowd of 42,720 stand and cheer.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like that,” Hamilton said. “I’ve never been part of anything like that. The way I’m feeling is hard to describe.”
I was there and it was a neat moment. I wish Hamilton all the best. Matt Merton stole a base hit from Hamilton in the one at bat.
Chad, I envy you brother. I wasn’t at GABP, but I was listening online. The roar of the crowd was incredible. Pete was in the booth with Marty at the time of Hamilton’s AB. I hope for his own sake, and for that of his family, that regardless of how he does on the field he is able to stay clean.