Josh Hamilton Bashes Texas Rangers Fans in Recent Interview

Roughly two months after signing with the division rival Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Josh Hamilton has likely alienated whatever supporters from the Texas Rangers fanbase he had left.

In an interview with CBS' Gina Miller, which comes to us via The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant, the superstar outfielder proclaimed that Dallas-Fort Worth is "not a true baseball town." 

Grant's report offers more of Hamilton's comments, but his description of his former hometown crowd is certainly the highlight.

Before inking a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels this offseason, Hamilton had spent all but the first of his six major-league seasons with the Rangers. 

While in Texas, Hamilton lived up to his incredible potential that was once dulled by substance abuse. His remarkable run was highlighted by two World Series appearances and winning the MVP in 2010. 

Up until the very end, Hamilton was treated like royalty by Rangers fans despite prolonged slumps and off-the-field slip-ups. 

Things got a little strained for Hamilton as the Rangers faded down the stretch in 2012, and his production all but vanished.

His struggles culminated in a botched play on a fly ball in Game 162 with the AL West title on the line. In response, the Rangers fans in attendance showered Hamilton with boos. 

Perhaps it was that blow to his ego that prompted him to slam the baseball merit of a town where he was once revered. Here is more of his quote, again provided by Grant: 

"

It’s one of those things where Texas, especially Dallas, has always been a football town. So the good with the bad is they’re supportive, but they also got a little spoiled, at the same time, pretty quickly. You can understand like a really true, true baseball town — and there are true baseball fans in Texas — but it’s not a true baseball town.

"

Hamilton didn't go out of his way to slam Dallas-Fort Worth, but he also didn't go out of his way to show his appreciation. 

At this point, it's probably safe to assume that Hamilton will be greeted by an energetic chorus of boos when the Angels travel to take on the Rangers in 2013.