Josh Hamilton receives standing ovation in return to Texas

Josh Hamilton

Despite alienating the Rangers franchise and fans two years ago with comments about Dallas not being a true baseball town and by signing a five-year, $125 million contract with the rival Angels, outfielder Josh Hamilton was welcomed back to Globe Life Park in Arlington with open arms Thursday. 

In his first at-bat since being traded back to the Rangers in late April, Hamilton received a standing ovation. He promptly responded with a double — his first extra-base hit since Aug. 29, 2014.

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Hamilton added an RBI single in the ninth inning to finish 2 for 4. He is batting .200/.250/.267 through four games. He missed time recovering from shoulder surgery in February, after which he self-reported a drug and alcohol relapse. The relapse triggered his exit from Anaheim.

Hamilton was an All-Star all five seasons he played with the Rangers and was voted American League MVP in 2010, hitting .305/.363/.549 during his time there. In two injury-plagued seasons with the Angels, he slumped to .255/.316/.426 with 31 homers.

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