Large Crowd On Hand For Josh Hamilton Appearance

HURST (CBSDFW) – Why would people show up at a store in Hurst before 9 A.M. with the temperature below freezing and a biting north wind? To get a chance for an autograph of Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.

Hamilton was in Hurst Saturday afternoon for a public appearance and book signing at a LifeWay Christian Store.

Nearly 250 people showed up at 9 A.M. to pick up a ticket for the signing. Some, like Heather Sweeney, had arrived much earlier. “I’m here to show him I support him no matter what he’s going through,” said the fan, who had arrived at midnight.

By the time the event started, hundreds more were lined up around the business with copies of Hamilton’s biography.

Saturday’s appearance is Hamilton’s second known public appearance since his well-documented relapse with alcohol two weeks ago. The 2010 MVP has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. He has turned to religious faith to battle his addictions.

In the line, many people expressed hope that Hamilton has learned from this latest relapse and are ready to see him patrolling the outfield at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington this season.

Hamilton, who was scheduled to appear for one hour, stayed for more than two hours, but was only able to sign copies of his book for 150 of the estimated 500 people in the crowd.