Selected with the first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 1999, Josh Hamilton was expected to be the first real home grown star in franchise history. A power hitting outfielder in high school, he set a school record with 15 homers and 35 RBI in just 25 games. Hamilton had solid speed as well, and appeared as though he would be that five tool talent the Rays could build around.
Hamilton immediately grabbed the attention of the minor league prognosticators. He was ranked as a top prospect for four consecutive years, even being ranked the best prospect in baseball by Baseball America prior to the 2001 season.