ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (1:34 PM)

Josh will be here soon, everyone!

Buzzmaster

  (1:48 PM)

Josh is heading this way, and will be here shortly!

Josh Hamilton

  (1:49 PM)

Hey, how's it going?

Steven (NJ)

What was it like to win the home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium in its last year?

Josh Hamilton

  (1:50 PM)

I didn't win, but the fact that you think I won means the world to me. It was one of the greatest moments in my life.

New York, NY

HEY Josh first and foremost Congratz on a tremendous season. What do you think are the realistic chances os The Rangers contending in 09?

Josh Hamilton

  (1:51 PM)

Obviously it comes down to pitching. I would hope you'd agree with me that we had the best offense in baseball last year.

Santino, Las Vegas, NV.

What is the one thing that you will always remember and take with you from this, your first full big league season?Thanks

Josh Hamilton

  (1:51 PM)

Playing 156 games out of 162.

Brad Hamilton Des Moines, Iowa

Loved the book - could not put it down - congrats on a great season - wondering about your speaking engagements and where we could find a schedule - would love to here you talk in person

Josh Hamilton

  (1:53 PM)

I have no printed schedule. My wife and my agent take care of all of that. I don't travel too far to speak, but my ministry is kicking off, which is Triple Play ministry--the 14th, 15th, and 16th of November at Hope Community Church in Kerry, NC. I'll be speaking Saturday and Sunday.

Mike (Connecticut)

Josh, who is the toughest pitcher you've faced in your career?

Josh Hamilton

  (1:54 PM)

I hate to admit it, but Greg Maddux. Throws 85, and it looks like it's coming right down the middle, and you swing, and your bat explodes. You say to yourself, how could that have happened. you'll look at video, and when the ball is halfway there, and you've started your swing, the ball moves about two feet.

Rob (Tampa, FL)

Josh, long time fan from your days back in the Rays Minor League system. Do you miss Tampa or do you think that getting out helped you to turn your life around? Any chance you would think about coming back?

Josh Hamilton

  (1:56 PM)

You never know where you'll end up, but God's plan is a lot different than the plans we have for ourselves. I was happy to see the Rays go to the World Series. I was rooting for them.

Mike, LA

Josh, first just wanted to say been a fan since 07 spring training, I am also a baseball coach, my son is very talented ball player and gets a lot of attention, what advice would you give him to stay on the right track, when it is very easy to get caught up in your own hype?

Josh Hamilton

  (1:58 PM)

Just remember when you think you're the best, you wouldn't be anything without your teammates. So let him know how much you appreciate him, and take the pin to his head every once in a while--let the air out---SSSSS.

Ben (Denver, Colorado)

What are your goals for 2009, both personal and for the Rangers?

Josh Hamilton

  (1:59 PM)

For the Rangers, to be ten games over .500. For myself, a lot of the same from this year--bat .300, 30 or more home runs, a hundred RBIs. But most of all, have fun.

Danny(Philly)

Josh I heard you were also a great pitcher in high school and would have been the top pick as a pitcher as well. How do you think you would be today as a pitcher?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:00 PM)

I miss pitching. I miss the competitiveness. Being on the mound and in control of the game.

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

What's your favorite ballpark to play in and why?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:00 PM)

My favorite road park is Boston, because of Sweet Caroline in the seventh inning. It doesn't matter if I'm 0-5 or 5-5. It always puts a smile on my face.

Tim (Dayton, OH)

What is the funniest thing you have ever heard a fan yell?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:02 PM)

I have never heard a fan yell anything funny. It's always a reference to the past.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Josh, Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:03 PM)

No, i'm not very superstitious. Of course, I did have a short I wore under my uniform that said "Hamilton Machine". It was a little league team I played on my first year of Little League. My old team showed up one night and threw a shirt down to me--it matched, because it was blue.

Jason, Pine Level, NC

Can you really hit a baseball 400 feet off a tee? What did you do as a youth/teenager to gain bat speed?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:04 PM)

Heck yeah! I took a ten-pound sledgehammer, held it at the top of the handle, kept my arm straight, brought it up over my shoulder, touched my nose, and brought it back down. If you can't do ten pounds, do six or eight. Please don't break your nose.

Donald Williamsville,Mo

Whats been the best prank pulled on you during you baseball career?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:05 PM)

Probably Flex-All in the jockstrap. Not good.

Kevin (ohio)

Who was your favorite player growing up and who is your favorite player now?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:06 PM)

Cal Ripken Jr., Paul O'Neil, Tony Gwynn when I was growing up. I can't really have a favorite player now.

Regis (winston-salem)

Hey Josh! Congrats on a great year! I just read your book and it is very inspiring. What are the things you would like to do once your career is over?

Josh Hamilton

  (2:07 PM)

Travel around and speak to different groups, do a lot of hunting and fishing, and spend time with my family.

Josh Hamilton

  (2:07 PM)

Thank you guys for your questions. I enjoyed reading them. It's always good to hear from the fans. You guys are what make my job fun.