Let's see, he's won a batting title, an American League MVP, multiple Ginger Ale showers, our hearts and - almost, sorta -
a World Series.
Today Texas Rangers' outfielder Josh Hamilton goes for another coveted honor - Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year.
Little debate that Hamilton was the best player in baseball in 2010. But how does his story rank? I'd say if the Rangers would've beaten the San Francisco Giants and we would've been treated to the snapshot moment - trophy, confetti, kid, etc. - Josh would be on the prestigious cover.
I don't think Hamilton's going to win.
I know who I think should win.
And I'm pretty sure I know who is actually going to win.
To me, it's Rafael Nadal.
In an era dominated by Roger Federer, considered the greatest tennis player of all time, the left-handed Spaniard managed to win three Grand Slam titles in 2010 - The French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. For more than 25 years, no man won consecutive majors on clay and grass. Nadal, without a dominating serve or trademark "kill shot" but with unprecedented defense-to-offense violence, has now turned the trick twice in the last three years. At the U.S. Open he dropped only one set, completing his career Grand Slam.
He smiles. He plays hurt. He never brushes with the law. He never denies an interview request. He somehow remains humble. He's the best player in a sport that above all others - no on-court coach or caddy or pit crew or teammate - requires and defines singular success.
Other candidates are probably Olympic figure skater Evan Lysacek, Penguins' star Sidney Crosby, the Lakers' Ron Artest, UConn women's coach Geno Auriemma and some weird candidate like a Chilean miner or something.
It'd be great to see the honor for Hamilton, who would join Lee Trevino (1971) and Lance Armstrong (2002) as winners with Dallas ties.
But to me it's clear who's going to win ... Saints' quarterback Drew Brees.
He's got the stats. The story. The Super Bowl. And - remember the trophy, the confetti and the son wearing the headphones - he's got the snapshot.
