At the age of 18, Carl Hamilton was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the amateur baseball draft. After three seasons, he was an all-star twice and lead one team to a league championship. Baseball America magazine ranked him as the No.1 left-handed pitching prospect in baseball. Three years and two arm surgeries later, he was out of baseball. He continued to struggle in every area of life sinking into depression, leading to homelessness on the streets of Phoenix, AZ. He washed up in public restrooms and slept in his car until a felony crime of armed robbery landed him in jail. Rock bottom, he had finally hit. With cuffed wrist and shackled ankles, he heard these words from his lawyer. "Mr. Hamilton, due to the mitigating circumstances of your crime, you're facing 19-67 years in prison." Something magical began to happen. He was offered a plea of 5 years. Once in prison, he enrolled in college courses and attended counseling sessions. Almost four years to the day of his release, he walked across the stage receiving his degree from Arizona State University. In reflecting on his journey, he realized a few things. When he knew what he wanted, why he wanted it and operated from his imagination, he was successful. His shortcomings were hidden by sports, but exposed by the greatest teacher of all, LIFE. Prison, was the most challenging and humbling experience of his life. An experience he would not wish on his worst enemy. However, it was also the most enlightening experience as it required him to revisit the three questions and regain control and save his life. PLAN YOUR GREATNESS is that story.
At the age of 18, Carl Hamilton was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the amateur baseball draft. After three seasons, he was an all-star twice and lead one team to a league championship. Baseball America magazine ranked him as the No.1 left-handed pitching prospect in baseball. Three years and two arm surgeries later, he was out of baseball. He continued to struggle in every area of life sinking into depression, leading to homelessness on the streets of Phoenix, AZ. He washed up in public restrooms and slept in his car until a felony crime of armed robbery landed him in jail. Rock bottom, he had finally hit. With cuffed wrist and shackled ankles, he heard these words from his lawyer. "Mr. Hamilton, due to the mitigating circumstances of your crime, you're facing 19-67 years in prison." Something magical began to happen. He was offered a plea of 5 years. Once in prison, he enrolled in college courses and attended counseling sessions. Almost four years to the day of his release, he walked across the stage receiving his degree from Arizona State University. In reflecting on his journey, he realized a few things. When he knew what he wanted, why he wanted it and operated from his imagination, he was successful. His shortcomings were hidden by sports, but exposed by the greatest teacher of all, LIFE. Prison, was the most challenging and humbling experience of his life. An experience he would not wish on his worst enemy. However, it was also the most enlightening experience as it required him to revisit the three questions and regain control and save his life. PLAN YOUR GREATNESS is that story.
