“Isn’t He The Guy Who Hits His Kids?” - MLB Fans Slam The Rangers For Honoring Josh Hamilton Despite Assault ChargesJosh Hamilton with Rangers’ third base coach Tony Beasley (Image Credit: Imagn)
The Texas Rangers found themselves on the wrong side of fans by honoring former star Josh Hamilton before their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. The former left fielder was presented with his blue Rangers Hall of Fame jacket while he threw the ceremonial pitch.

Josh Hamilton, a five-time All-Star and 2010 AL MVP, had an impressive career with the Rangers, including two World Series appearances. But his off-field controversies dent his reputation. He faced charges for allegedly assaulting his teenage daughter and later pleaded guilty in 2022 to unlawful restraint.

Notably, Josh Hamilton was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2019, but he didn’t receive the jacket as the tradition started in 2021.

Fans Blast Rangers For Honouring Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton (Image Credit: Imagn)
When Hamilton walked out to get his blue Rangers Hall of Fame jacket and throw the ceremonial first pitch, social media lit up with negative reactions.

“A legendary drug addict quitter,” one fan reacted.


“Does that include when he assaulted his daughter?” another fan wrote.

“I wonder how coked up he is right now,” one X user commented.

“Drug head,” another X user wrote.

“Did he beat his kid to celebrate?” another fan asked about Josh Hamilton.

“Didn’t he plead guilty to abusing his daughter?” one fan asked.

“Druggy,” another one posted.

“Ig yall like child beaters and alcohol abuse people,” another fan commented.

Josh Hamilton’s major league career began as the No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999, but he made his MLB debut in 2007 after a stint with the Cincinnati Reds. He was traded to the Texas Rangers before the 2008 season, where he became a five-time All-Star, won the 2010 AL Most Valuable Player, and helped lead the team to win back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

However, injuries and substance abuse marred his career. He signed with the Angels in 2012, relapsed during rehab, and then returned to Texas for one final season in 2015 before injuries ended his career. He officially retired in 2019.