Jeffrey Allison: The Next Josh Hamilton?

Recently, finding inspirational stories in the sporting world hasn't been challenging. From the Central Washington women’s softball team to Chris Lofton's season long fight against cancer, sports has its share of goosebump-inducing features. A common theme among the stories is the people in them are, generally speaking, “good people.” None of these individuals are difficult to support; they’re the type of guys and girls you’d like your son or daughter to marry.

Pulling for a former heroin user and car thief is a bit tougher.

Jupiter Hammerheads pitcher Jeffrey Allison was drafted 16^th overall in 2003 by the soon-to-be World Champion Florida Marlins. Coming out of Veterans Memorial High School in Peabody, Massachusetts, Allison threw an electric, mid-90’s fastball that he complemented with a sweeping curve. During his senior year, Allison did not allow a run in 64 innings pitched. By June of 2003, Allison was the draft's first high school pitcher selected. Shortly thereafter, his troubles began.

Rehashing all Allison’s trangressions takes awhile, and it’s difficult at times to separate the facts from the allegations. What seems evident is that Allison grew up in a bad family, with an absentee father who only reappeared after he was drafted. Conflicting reports exist about the strength of Jeff’s relationship with his mother. While Allison alleges his drug problems began after the Marlins selected him, those close to Jeff assert he began abusing OxyContin late in high school. One report states Jeff threatened to kill the boyfriend of a girl claiming Allison and his friends were harassing her. After signing his rookie contract in 2003, Allison reportedly had multiple run-ins with the Peabody police. Almost all the incidents were OxyContin-related.

Eventually Jeff's OxyContin problem morphed into something far more serious. After a failed drug test in the spring of 2004, the Marlins placed Allison on the restricted list. In mid-July of the same year, Allison essentially came as close to death as one can, as he reportedly flat-lined after a heroin overdose.

Even after those incidents, Allison came back and pitched in the minor leagues the following season. In 2005, Allison had a stint with the low-A Greensboro Grasshoppers, where in 94 innings he posted a 5-4 record with a 4.18 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 7.89 K/9. Not great numbers, but fairly impressive for a recovering addict. Following a strong comeback season, Allison seemingly was on the road to recovery. Surely, he’d start 2006 in the high A Sally league and, with some offseason improvement, maybe hit AA by 2007 and the majors by 2008. Unfortunately, things didn't work out that way .

In March of 2006, the Marlins once again placed Allison on the restricted list, presumably for another failed drug test. That August, Allison had another heroin overdose, although this time he was released from the hospital the same day. Then, by October, Allison was facing one felony count for heroin possession and two counts for possessing a stolen vehicle. A warrant for Allison’s arrest was issued in late December; he plead guilty to four felonies and four misdemeanors which included counts of heroin possession and possessing a stolen vehicle. Remarkably, and somewhat inexplicably, Allison was placed on only three years probation. Allison briefly attempted a comeback last July, but a few weeks later was again placed on the restricted list.

Out of nowhere, Allison resurfaced this spring for yet another comeback attempt. Thus far, it seems to be going well. In the high A, pitcher-friendly Sally league, Jupiter Hammerhead Jeffrey Allison has pitched 28.2 innings with a 1.88 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 20/13 K/BB. Opposing hitters are batting just .184 off him. If he keeps it up, Allison might have a potential major league future again.

On one hand, Allison fits the profile of an inspirational story. He’s a former drug user attempting to right his life with the second chance given to him. Allison is still only 23 years old, giving him ample time to straighten his life out. On the other hand, he hasn't been short on second chances, and some of his infractions aren’t exactly minor. Trumping up sympathy for a kid who’s plead guilty to multiple felonies is a difficult sell.

You wonder how many opportunities Allison has before he runs out of chances; the Marlins have exhibited far more patience with him than most organizations would. Because of that patience, Allison has the chance to turn out like Josh Hamilton, another former first round draft pick who overcame his drug habit and is now a (pretty damn good) major leaguer. Considering it's a minor miracle that he's even alive, expecting Allison to replicate Hamilton's success is probably asking too much. Notwithstanding any off-the-field issues, Allison's minor league numbers don't suggest he's going to be the overpowering starter he was projected as coming out of high school. But, at this point, Allison doesn't have to pitch in the majors to be successful. Not relapsing is enough; any subsequent on-field success is a bonus.

I’ll admit that, were Allison not in the Marlins organization, I likely wouldn't know who he is. I don’t know how much I’d care about this story, and, knowing me, I might've made an off-color joke or nine about him. But that doesn’t mean I’m not rooting for Allison to turn his life around. He's been through some fucked up shit.* For his own sake, let's hope Allison can stay clean and sober.

For older stories delving deeper into Allison's background:

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*Thought I could go an entire post without cursing? Wrong, shitdicks.