As Bagwell said with Cammy it all started and unfortunantly ended with his heart. He had the biggest heart for the game and unfortunatnly his heart is what took his life.
I remember Ken Caminiti coming to my elementary school when i was in third grade, he signed as many autographs as possible but unfortunately did not get to me, i remember my friends mom catching him on his way out after he was already running late and asking if he would mind signing an autograph for me and my friend. he said that there would be nothing that he would be more happy to do and he signed the card that i had, i still have that card today and as a third grader i treasured that card and now as an college freshmen i still treasure it, granted he made some mistakes but the Ken Caminiti I will always remember is the one who took some time out to sign a card for me.... So Ken Caminiti, Thank you and may God Bless You
I believe the definition of addiction is open to interpretation, but there is definitely some science that shows it is a disease ... http://www.hopenetworks.org/addiction/addiction a brain disease.htm I think each person is different and it may not be the disease as much as poor choice, but I believe at the core addiction is a disease. I think addiction might be one of those things where we just don't understand how some people can make bad choice after bad choice until we have walked in their shoes.
Exactly! None of us have the right to call anyone weak, ESPECIALLY when we know so little of the person. And certaintly don't have the right to speak so high and mighty to someone that's just passed away, labeling them a "dumbass" for the choices in life they made. None of us know what anyone went through, unless we experienced their life. "Walking the path is different than knowing the path" etc etc And other cliches, I'm sure I don't have to spell it out further.
We seem to be quick to label someone as an idiot etc if they die of drugs, alcohol etc.... but people die every single day because they are speeding and few people say a thing about them being stupid... Cami made mistakes.. and in retrospect they were of course not smart things to do... but we should feel bad for his family that he made those mistakes .. instead of calling him an idiot etc the very week he dies...
Fallen star: Astros plan Caminiti tribute at NLCS HOUSTON -- Houston Astros players say they want to pay tribute to former teammate Ken Caminiti, who died in New York over the weekend. The tribute is scheduled for Saturday's NLCS game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Team officials tell the Houston Chronicle that details haven't been finalized. The slugging Gold Glove third baseman was the 1996 National League MVP with the San Diego Padres. He played for the Astros twice over a 15-year career in which he struggled with substance abuse and legal troubles. Caminiti failed four drug tests during his probation for a 2002 cocaine possession conviction. He served 189 days in jail and drug treatment programs before his release earlier this month. A ruling is still pending on what killed the 41-year-old Caminiti, but his agent says he apparently died of a heart attack. ------------------------- Glad to see the Astros are planning something...
I'm really glad they are going to do a tribute to him. The guy laid everything on the line when he played for us.
In the Chronicle today: Cammy Obituary KENNETH G. CAMINITI, 41, loving father, son, brother, uncle, friend and teammate passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2004. He was born on April 21, 1963 in Hanford, California to Yvonne and Lee Caminiti. Ken is survived by his daughters Kendall, Lindsey and Nicole; mother of his children Nancy; his parents; brother Glenn and wife Debbie; sister Carrie and husband Jasper; grandmother Mary Caminiti; many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Ken was a graduate of Leigh High School in San Jose, California where he excelled in baseball and football. He attended San Jose State University where he was an All-American baseball player. Ken was drafted in 1984 by the Houston Astros. He played his first Major League Baseball game in July 1987. He went on to play 14 years in the majors where he earned the nickname "The Gun." Teams which benefited by his intense play and dedication included the Astros, Padres, Rangers and Braves. Ken was a three-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove third baseman and was the 1996 unanimous National League MVP. Ken was highly regarded by those who played with him as the "ultimate teammate." He also had a passion for outdoor sports including hunting, fishing and cars. Above all, Ken adored his three beautiful daughters and Nancy. Those who knew him loved him for his HEART OF GOLD. Published in the Houston Chronicle on 10/13/2004.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Right Step Foundation, 3709 Montrose, Houston, Texas 77006.
Sportscenter said a preliminary autopsy report shows Caminitti died from a drug overdose; not a heart attack
his memorial service was scheduled for tomorrow, the scheduled off-day during the series. craig reynolds is to preside over it, as i understand. wonder if they'll move it, pending the rainout?? rest in peace, Cammy. freed from that crap. blessings to your family.
Man...if that is true...then that just royally sucks. He's supposedly talking to this guy's son about staying away from drugs but he was probably using at the time. What kind of lecture is that? I guess he drove the point home, unfortunately. He was telling this other person "drugs will kill you" and then he's dead less than 24 hours later...a deadly irony. Damn, Caminiti. So much to live for with all of that family.
While I truly feel for the family Caminiti left behind, because they were stuck with a loved who couldn't overcome his weakness / addiction (whatever you want to call it) for the sake of sticking around and taking care of his family, I feel nothing for Caminiti himself. He should have nipped this situation in the bud, for the sake of his freakin' family. and this from a kid who grew up as a HUGE fan of the dude.
Just poking fun at your sig... Now you're being a jerk. My statement is about addiction. RIP Cammy. I hope his family finds comfort. I would hate to have the harvest of what you're sowing, synergy.
So, I agree with you in the sense that the word "disease" as it applies to addiction is, in fact, a weakness, but I certainly don't like the tone of your post. I'm a counselor. I work with various people who have various problems, including addiction. I've seen people conquer their demons and completely turn their lives around as it relates to everything from various disorders to addiction. I've seen addiction damn near kill people. I've seen it destroy families. I've seen people save their own lives. I've seen people save their families. Wanting to get clean vs. staying clean: They're entirely different animals, and they are both commendable. I had to do an intervention (outside of work) about two weeks ago. The person in question is a close, dear friend. This person is actively seeking help with their addictions, but for whatever reason was completely unable to seek help on their own, thus the intervention was necessary. Addiction is a disease, and a true killer. People with absolutely zero compassion really need to open their eyes and their hearts. Addiction is one of the saddest, most deadly diseases out there, and it takes a tremendous amount of courage to even admit that you have a problem, let alone do something about it, and then stay clean.
