ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Josh Hamilton was nervous each time he walked into the batting cage.
It didn't stop him from putting on a power display Friday that
illustrated why Tampa Bay took the troubled outfielder with the No.
1 overall pick in the 1999 draft.
Whether he ever makes it to the majors, that remains to be seen.
Hamilton has been on Major League Baseball's restricted list the
last two seasons. The 25-year-old outfielder was suspended in
February 2004 for violating baseball's drug policy, and hasn't
played since July 2002 because of injuries and unspecified personal
issues.
Hamilton joined the Devil Rays extended spring training program and hit 12 home runs -- including several tape-measure shots -- in
his first batting practice session. He received permission Thursday
to participate in extended spring workouts but remains ineligible
to play in minor or major league games.
"My stomach was going," Hamilton said. "It feels like day one
all around. It feels like I've got to start at the beginning again.
That's the attitude I'm taking toward it. The drive I have right
now is unbelievable."
Hamilton called this opportunity his "last chance" when it
comes to professional baseball.
"That's the way I want it because that's what is going to give
me that drive to do it," Hamilton said. "The past three years
have been a real struggle, real frustrating."
Hamilton said the biggest challenge ahead is not on the
ballfield, but the continuing battle with his addiction.
"It's a constant struggle," he said. "Everybody has got their
own demons. You've got to come to grips with it and know that's the
thing that's keeping you from living a productive life."
The turning point came about after he became a father.
"I got pretty bad for a while," Hamilton said. "I got to the
point, I had my little girl, and the more time I spent with her,
the light bulb just started going off. It's not about me anymore.
It's about my family and doing the right thing no matter if
baseball is involved or not. Actually, I never thought I would be
back out here. It's exciting for me."
Hamilton is expected to play in some extended spring training
games during the next couple weeks. There is no timetable for when
baseball will clear him to play in minor league games.
"It's a great first step for Josh," Tampa Bay executive vice
president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "There's
still a long way to go."