Angels hire Hamilton’s accountability partner
After welcoming Josh Hamilton to their team on Saturday in Downtown Disney, the Los Angeles Angels announced the addition of another key hire for next season — Hamilton’s accountability partner.
Hamilton, who has a well-documented history with drug and alcohol abuse, recently signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels. The contract, however, did not lay out any consequences if the 31-year-old relapses, according to NBC Sports.
Instead, as reported by Los Angeles Times reporter Mike DiGiovanna, the Angels hired Shayne Kelley from the Rangers. He will serve as a major league staff assistant, but will have the main goal of keeping Hamilton on the right path.
Hamilton’s most recent slip occurred in February of 2012, when the No. 1 overall pick was found drinking at a bar in Texas. Reports from the incident indicate that Hamilton called teammate Ian Kinsler, and Kinsler went to the bar to help Hamilton out of concern for his teammate.
According to reports from Deadspin, Hamilton also suffered a setback with alcohol in January of 2009.
Considering Hamilton once told USA Today that he had “literally tried every drug on the street,” not having consequences written out for Hamilton could come back to bite the Angels. Nonetheless, having the accountability partner, as well as supportive teammates, will hopefully keep the slugger in line.
