Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Tim Keown (Contributor)
Key Phrases: Devil Rays, Big Daddy, North Carolina (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Todd is part of a movement to rediscover the true message of Jesus and how we are to respond to it.  Christianity Beyond Belief is good news!”

—John Ortberg, pastor and author of The Life You’ve Always Wanted

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description

Josh Hamilton was the first player chosen in the first round of the 1999 baseball draft. He was destined to be one of those rare "high-character " superstars. But in 2001, working his way from the minors to the majors, all of the plans for Josh went off the rails in a moment of weakness. What followed was a 4-year nightmare of drugs and alcohol, estrangement from friends and family, and his eventual suspension from baseball.

BEYOND BELIEF details the events that led up to the derailment. Josh explains how a young man destined for fame and wealth could allow his life to be taken over by drugs and alcohol. But it is also the memoir of a spiritual journey that breaks through pain and heartbreak and leads to the rebirth of his major-league career.

Josh Hamilton makes no excuses and places no blame on anyone other than himself. He takes responsibility for his poor decisions and believes his story can help millions who battle the same demons. "I have been given a platform to tell my story" he says. "I pray every night I am a good messenger."

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Hardcover: 272 pages Publisher: FaithWords (October 13, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 1599951614 ISBN-13: 978-1599951614 Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,584 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #8 in  Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Biographies > Baseball #9 in  Books > Sports > Baseball > Essays & Writings #67 in  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Substance Abuse

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Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Devil Rays, Big Daddy, North Carolina, Betty Ford, West Virginia, Chore Boy, Tar Heel League, Hudson Valley, Petersburg Times, Jerry Narron, Turning Point, Jesus Christ, Major League Baseball, Opening Day, Coach Council, Johnny Narron, Athens Drive High, Carl Crawford, American Legion, New York-Penn League, Rookie League, American League, Ken Caminiti, Winning Inning, Crown Royal

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	96% buy the item featured on this page: Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back 4.8 out of 5 stars (57) $10.70
	2% buy Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life 4.8 out of 5 stars (218) $10.19
	1% buy Born to Play: My Life in the Game 4.6 out of 5 stars (7) $16.50

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Customer Reviews

57 Reviews 5 star:  (50) 4 star:  (6) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.8 out of 5 stars (57 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 30 of 34 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Belief Connects, October 11, 2008 By  Stephen Lombardi - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    I just finished reading "Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back." Now, I know what you're probably thinking here; and, it's "How can someone who is just 27-years old author their biography?" Or, [if you know me] maybe it's "Aren't you a little old to be reading baseball `puff piece' books?" Then again, maybe you're thinking both of these things? Well, let me tell you..."Beyond Belief" may only cover the first 27 years of Hamilton's life. However, there's a very interesting story to tell within those first 27 years. And, trust me, this book is far from being a `puff piece.' As I was reading Hamilton's story, all I could think about was "Wow. This is `The Natural' - just like the movie. Except, as entertaining as that movie was, the story seemed too far-fetched to be true...and, now, here's the same story...and it's all true!" First, some background on Hamilton. When he was six-years old, Josh was playing on youth baseball teams for boys between the ages of eleven and twelve. Picture that...a 6-year old playing against 12-year olds. And, regardless of that age gap, he was one of the best players on the field during the games. Hamilton's talent, even at that young age, was off-the-charts. And, Josh Hamilton's talent never fell back to the pack. Related, he was the first overall pick in Major League Baseball's 1999 Amateur Player Draft - at the age of 18. At that time, Josh was considered as being as good as Alex Rodriguez was at the same age. However, in 2001, when he was just 20-years old, Hamilton - who, up until this time, was a squeaky-clean All-American boy in an Opie Taylor type way - started abusing alcohol and using illegal drugs. And, his habits became so bad that he became low-life crack addict...hitting absolute rock-bottom. In the process, he nearly destroyed the lives of several loving family members and threw away millions of dollars. And, we're not talking about a blip on the radar here. Josh Hamilton's slide towards destruction was a five year journey through hell. During this time, he went through eight different drug treatment and rehabiliation centers. We've seen stories like this in baseball before...names like Rod Scurry, Steve Howe and Ken Caminiti come to mind...and many times they have ended in tragedy. Yet, through his faith, Hamilton was able to gain control of his life...and get back into baseball as a 25-year old (in 2006) and bring his career to the point where he was the highlight of the Homerun Derby at the 2008 big league All-Star Game. But, forget the baseball-side of the Josh Hamiliton story. And, just focus on the "person" angle here...as that's what's so riveting when you're reading "Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back." This book tells the story of a great talent - perhaps one of the greatest talents ever - falling so low, and out of control, to where the talent is wasted and its host becomes one of the dregs of society. And, once at the bottom, there are years of struggle to become whole again...with repeated rounds ending in failure after failure. And, then, finally, there's redemption. But, it's tempered with the fact that there's no guarantee of permanence - and that everyday is a new battle. Yet, on the flipside, everyday is also a chance to use lessons-learned to help others. Human nature being what it is, "these types of stories" just resonate well with us...and Josh Hamilton's story is one of the best out there...in terms of "these types of stories." I would recommend "Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back" to anyone who wants to read a great, true, and inspirational tale - regardless of whether or not they're a baseball fan. I was very happy to read Hamilton's book. It's extremely well done. This one connects - and it goes a long way. 12 of 15 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable rebirth of talent, October 12, 2008 By  diet pepsi "diet pepsi" (AZ.) - See all my reviews This was a fabulous book that I had a hard time putting down. I knew most of the story, from magazine articles, but I had missed the religious component of the tale. I could even recommend this to a men's bible study. It was awful that so many people misunderstood the relationship between Josh and his parents. How numerous rehabs could blame his parents for Josh's addiction amazed me. He was and is a prodigy. That was a big part of his problem. No one seemed to realize that and MLB wanted him to fit into a cookie cutter experience. He couldn't do that. 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Similar Road, April 3, 2009 By  James Polly (Annapolis, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This book was sheer awesome. I went down the same road as Josh Hamilton. Reading his story gives me more strength and encouragment to go on and succeed in life. To be able to identify personally with someone of his calibur is truly up-lifting. He is one of my favorite baseball players and now after reading this book, he is one of my favorite people.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Excllent read very good This is a wonderful insight into what addiction can do to you not just in the present but for many years to come and the hardships it can place on your family as well. Read more Published 1 day ago by Shelby J. Hank 5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Moving Story... This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. You'll laugh and cry but it's worth reading until the end. You won't be disappointed. Published 2 months ago by Morgann 5.0 out of 5 stars Quick read for sports people who don't like reading I don't read... ever. But I got this as a gift and couldn't put it down. If you love the Rangers and Jesus then this book is a perfect match. Published 2 months ago by E. Anton 5.0 out of 5 stars Inviting Narrative, Strikingly Authentic, and an Insiders Look at Pro Baseball Over the past two years, my family and I have become strong fans of the Texas Rangers. Having lived in the DFW Metroplex since 1982, I have always followed (sometimes up-close and... Read more Published 3 months ago by C. Chappotin 5.0 out of 5 stars JOSH IS A MIRACLE THIS BOOK ABOUT THE LIFE OF MLB PLAYER JOSH HAMILTON IS ALOT MORE THAN JUST BASEBALL. IT IS ABOUT A MIRACLE THAT SAVED JOSH'S LIFE. Read more Published 3 months ago by COOL JEWEL 5.0 out of 5 stars Much more about baseball, great book the story of Josh Hamilton has been well publicized, but reading his first hand account of what he went through and how he is still here today is amazing. Read more Published 3 months ago by O. Rios 5.0 out of 5 stars Close to unbelievable I had heard about Josh Hamilton years ago when he was the "prospect". One of those rare talents that comes around every 25 years or so. Read more Published 3 months ago by Norm Miller 5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Read I started book and when I had to break before finishing, it was on my mind until I could get back and finish. Read more Published 3 months ago by Paul C. Miller Jr. 5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing! Couldn't Put it Down This book was amazing. I found myself saying out loud, "Oh No, not again! How could you do that?" while reading about his constant relapses. Read more Published 4 months ago by Scott Burleigh 5.0 out of 5 stars Josh Hamilton Beyond Belief Is a 5 Star Must Read Book Talk about inspirational you don't have to go any further than this book right here. Josh Hamilton's life has had so many ups and yet at the same time so many downs. Read more Published 5 months ago by alex fryling Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (October 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599951614
• ISBN-13: 978-1599951614
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,584 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #8 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Biographies > Baseball
  #9 in	Books > Sports > Baseball > Essays & Writings
  #67 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Substance Abuse

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Belief Connects, October 11, 2008

By	Stephen Lombardi - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just finished reading "Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back."

Now, I know what you're probably thinking here; and, it's "How can someone who is just 27-years old author their biography?" Or, [if you know me] maybe it's "Aren't you a little old to be reading baseball `puff piece' books?" Then again, maybe you're thinking both of these things?

Well, let me tell you..."Beyond Belief" may only cover the first 27 years of Hamilton's life. However, there's a very interesting story to tell within those first 27 years. And, trust me, this book is far from being a `puff piece.'

As I was reading Hamilton's story, all I could think about was "Wow. This is `The Natural' - just like the movie. Except, as entertaining as that movie was, the story seemed too far-fetched to be true...and, now, here's the same story...and it's all true!"

First, some background on Hamilton. When he was six-years old, Josh was playing on youth baseball teams for boys between the ages of eleven and twelve. Picture that...a 6-year old playing against 12-year olds. And, regardless of that age gap, he was one of the best players on the field during the games. Hamilton's talent, even at that young age, was off-the-charts.

And, Josh Hamilton's talent never fell back to the pack. Related, he was the first overall pick in Major League Baseball's 1999 Amateur Player Draft - at the age of 18. At that time, Josh was considered as being as good as Alex Rodriguez was at the same age.

However, in 2001, when he was just 20-years old, Hamilton - who, up until this time, was a squeaky-clean All-American boy in an Opie Taylor type way - started abusing alcohol and using illegal drugs. And, his habits became so bad that he became low-life crack addict...hitting absolute rock-bottom. In the process, he nearly destroyed the lives of several loving family members and threw away millions of dollars.

And, we're not talking about a blip on the radar here. Josh Hamilton's slide towards destruction was a five year journey through hell. During this time, he went through eight different drug treatment and rehabiliation centers.

We've seen stories like this in baseball before...names like Rod Scurry, Steve Howe and Ken Caminiti come to mind...and many times they have ended in tragedy. Yet, through his faith, Hamilton was able to gain control of his life...and get back into baseball as a 25-year old (in 2006) and bring his career to the point where he was the highlight of the Homerun Derby at the 2008 big league All-Star Game.

But, forget the baseball-side of the Josh Hamiliton story. And, just focus on the "person" angle here...as that's what's so riveting when you're reading "Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back."

This book tells the story of a great talent - perhaps one of the greatest talents ever - falling so low, and out of control, to where the talent is wasted and its host becomes one of the dregs of society. And, once at the bottom, there are years of struggle to become whole again...with repeated rounds ending in failure after failure. And, then, finally, there's redemption. But, it's tempered with the fact that there's no guarantee of permanence - and that everyday is a new battle. Yet, on the flipside, everyday is also a chance to use lessons-learned to help others.

Human nature being what it is, "these types of stories" just resonate well with us...and Josh Hamilton's story is one of the best out there...in terms of "these types of stories."

I would recommend "Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back" to anyone who wants to read a great, true, and inspirational tale - regardless of whether or not they're a baseball fan. I was very happy to read Hamilton's book. It's extremely well done.

This one connects - and it goes a long way.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable rebirth of talent, October 12, 2008

By	diet pepsi "diet pepsi" (AZ.) - See all my reviews

This was a fabulous book that I had a hard time putting down. I knew most of the story, from magazine articles, but I had missed the religious component of the tale. I could even recommend this to a men's bible study.

It was awful that so many people misunderstood the relationship between Josh and his parents. How numerous rehabs could blame his parents for Josh's addiction amazed me.

He was and is a prodigy. That was a big part of his problem. No one seemed to realize that and MLB wanted him to fit into a cookie cutter experience. He couldn't do that.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Similar Road, April 3, 2009

By	James Polly (Annapolis, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was sheer awesome. I went down the same road as Josh Hamilton. Reading his story gives me more strength and encouragment to go on and succeed in life. To be able to identify personally with someone of his calibur is truly up-lifting. He is one of my favorite baseball players and now after reading this book, he is one of my favorite people.