Josh Hamilton was not around for Angels’ alcohol celebration

The Angels on Wednesday clinched the AL West for the first time since 2009, and one of their key players was not around to enjoy most of the celebration.

Josh Hamilton, who has had well-known struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, excused himself before the alcohol started flowing during the team’s celebration.

OC Register Angels reporter Jeff Fletcher sent the following tweet regarding Hamilton:

For those asking, i did not see Josh Hamilton, but he said he would excuse himself when the alcohol was flowing. #Angels

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) September 18, 2014

Hamilton is batting .263/.331/.414 for the Angels this season. He did not play in Wednesday’s 5-0 win over the Mariners because lefty James Paxton was pitching for Seattle, or possibly because his shoulder was bothering him again. The Angels clinched thanks to a combination of their win and the Rangers’ victory over the A’s.

This is nothing new for Hamilton. In 2010, he skipped the Texas Rangers’ celebration upon clinching the AL West. But after the team won their ALDS, they decided to celebrate using ginger ale so Ham could participate.

The Angels used tons of champagne in their celebration on Wednesday. Maybe they’ll make their next celebration Hamilton-friendly. And if you’re questioning why Hamilton can’t be around it, don’t forget that he had a publicized relapse in 2012.

UPDATE: Angels reporter Alden Gonzalez says Hamilton was not around for the celebration because he left around gametime to have some chiropractic work done.

Josh Hamilton wasn't with the #Angels for the celebratory stuff last night. He left around game time to have chiropractic work done.

— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) September 18, 2014