Rick Ankiel or Josh Hamilton: Who's the Bigger Comeback Kid?

We know the stories. Josh Hamilton battled severe drug addiction and battled back from (via Jesus Christ) it to have an MVP-caliber season. Rick Ankiel was a top pitching prospect, whose pitching went from hot to not, then returned seven years later to become an offensive juggernaut. The question I pose is which story is more amazing and who is truly the Comeback Kid?

Rick Ankiel is the true Comeback Kid. There's no doubt that Josh Hamilton is having a great season and his story is obviously impressive, but here are the reasons that Ankiel is truly the Comeback Kid:

1. Position Change-

Rick Ankiel effectively transitioned from a pitcher to a power-hitting outfielder. This is a very rare feat in Major League Baseball. Not only can Ankiel hit the ball for power, he can field his position very well. Ankiel's story is more unique than Hamilton's. Many players get a 'second chance' after addiction or other problems, but they stay in the same position. Ankiel had to totally transform.

2. Choice-

Rick Ankiel didn't choose to break down on television, where millions were watching. It just happened and his career took a major blow. Hamilton chose to do drugs. It is great that he's gotten his life back together, but he should still be accountable for his actions (does Daryl Strawberry ring a bell?).

3. Hamilton wasn't the only one with problems-

Ankiel suffered off the field problems as well. His father, the major driving force behind Rick's baseball career, was sentenced to six years in prison for narcotics smuggling while Ankiel was at a crucial point in his career. Also, Ankiel suffered a mental disorder that inhibited him pitching a strike (five wild pitches in one inning).

Both Hamilton and Ankiel are truly spectacular stories, but if there was only one Comeback Kid, it would be Rick Ankiel.