Josh Hamilton Skips Champagne Party

[Mr. Baseball]

Two weeks ago, Josh Hamilton(notes) said he had a plan for participating in a clinching champagne party as a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. The Texas Rangers star said it involved "goggles on, duct tape over the mouth and either a wetsuit or raincoat."

But when corks finally started to pop in Oakland on Saturday night in celebration of the team's first playoff appearance since 1999, Hamilton called an audible and steered clear of the scene entirely.

After hugging and shaking hands with his teammates on the field, he changed in a trainer's room and stayed away from the wet scene in the Rangers clubhouse.
Not only did he want to avoid any temptation to slip up on his never-ending fight against addiction — which he has admittedly done in the past — Hamilton said he didn't want to give his fans the wrong impression.

Thoughts?

[love_that_reefer]

I'd say it was a smart move on his part.

[Tobywan]

He felt it would be hypocritical of him to participate then go give a speech at "Faith Day" in Oakland after the game. Sounds like it was the right thing for Josh.