Baseball Star Josh Hamilton Files For Divorce

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Josh Hamilton filed for divorce from his wife Katie in Tarrant County, Texas. The divorce decree cites “irreconcilable differences” between the couple, who had been married since 2004. A judge ruled that Mr. Hamilton cannot visit his four children, ranging in age from 3 to 14, without supervision. The divorce order also bans him from visiting the couple’s homes in Newport Coast, California; Westlake, Texas; and Valley Mills, Texas.

Did History of Substance Abuse Lead to Divorce?

Mr. Hamilton has had several instances of substance abuse during his baseball career. The 33-year-old outfielder started his career with the Cincinnati Reds in 2007. Injuries and reports of alcohol abuse led to the Reds trading him to the Texas Rangers on December 31, 2007. He claimed to have had a spiritual awakening that led to his recovery from addiction in 2008, but suffered a relapse in 2009. After a relapse prior to the 2012 season, Mr. Hamilton signed a five-year, $125 million free agent contract with the Angels. He reportedly relapsed into cocaine and alcohol abuse again in February 2015.

Hamilton’s Divorce Decree Contains Strange Requests

Mr. Hamilton reportedly filed the divorce papers shortly after his February 2015 relapse became public knowledge. The divorce request contained some unusual provisions. Mr. Hamilton requested that Mrs. Hamilton not be allowed to drive his Maserati sports car or his 1972 Chevrolet Blazer truck. He also asked that she be prohibited from making disparaging remarks about him or his family, and that no man should be allowed to stay overnight in the same home as their children.

Divorce, Recovery and Reality Shows

The details behind the Hamilton divorce become even stranger when outside factors enter the equation. Mr. Hamilton has credited Michael Dean Chadwick, his current father-in-law, as a major force behind his addiction recovery. Mr. Chadwick dealt with his own addiction for 15 years before becoming a motivational speaker. Mrs. Hamilton was also up for a role in the reality show “Real Housewives of Orange County,” but the divorce has left her status for the show as uncertain.

Will Divorce and Relapse Affect Hamilton’s Baseball Future?

Mr. Hamilton’s impending divorce and apparent relapse into substance abuse may have a significant effect on both his playing career and his financial stability. He has shown flashes of brilliance on the field, especially when he won the American League’s Most Valuable Player award in 2010 and led the Rangers to the World Series in 2010 and 2011. However, a shoulder injury has sidelined him for most of the last two seasons. Angels owner Artie Moreno has threatened to pursue legal action to negate the remaining $83 million on Mr. Hamilton’s contract.

Sources: Dallas Morning News (1)(2) (3)

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