LaTroy Hawkins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids LaTroy Hawkins
Hawkins with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015
Pitcher
Born: (1972-12-21) December 21, 1972 (age 52) Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
April 29, 1995, for the Minnesota Twins
Last appearance
October 3, 2015, for the Toronto Blue Jays
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	75–94
Earned run average	4.31
Strikeouts	983
Saves	127
Teams
Minnesota Twins (1995–2003) Chicago Cubs (2004–2005) San Francisco Giants (2005) Baltimore Orioles (2006) Colorado Rockies (2007) New York Yankees (2008) Houston Astros (2008–2009) Milwaukee Brewers (2010–2011) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2012) New York Mets (2013) Colorado Rockies (2014–2015) Toronto Blue Jays (2015)

LaTroy Hawkins (born December 21, 1972) is a retired American baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 21 years. He played for many teams, including the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Hawkins pitched in 1,042 games during his career. This makes him one of the top 10 pitchers in MLB history for games played. He also achieved a special record: he recorded a save against all 30 MLB teams!

Hawkins grew up in Gary, Indiana. He was drafted by the Twins right out of high school in 1991. He started playing in the major leagues in 1995. After some early struggles, he became a very good relief pitcher. He helped his teams reach the playoffs several times. He even played in the 2007 World Series with the Colorado Rockies. Hawkins retired in 2015 after playing for the Blue Jays.

Early Life and Baseball Start

LaTroy Hawkins was born and grew up in Gary, Indiana. His mother and grandparents raised him. When he was young, he played baseball using broom handles. He didn't even have a real glove until he joined Little League Baseball.

Hawkins went to West Side High School. He was good at basketball and even got a scholarship offer to play in college. He also did track and field. But his grandfather told him baseball was his best sport. So, Hawkins decided to focus on baseball.

Professional Baseball Career

Minnesota Twins Years (1995–2003)

The Minnesota Twins picked Hawkins in the 1991 MLB draft. He spent four years playing in the minor leagues. He made his first MLB appearance in 1995. His first game was tough, but he got his first win later that year.

Hawkins spent his first few years as a starting pitcher. In 2000, the Twins moved him to the bullpen as a relief pitcher. He started to do much better in this new role. He even became the team's closer for a while.

In 2002 and 2003, Hawkins was a key setup man for the Twins. He helped them win their division titles. He pitched very well in 2003, with a low 1.86 earned run average (ERA). He became a free agent after the 2003 season.

Chicago Cubs (2004–2005)

In 2004, Hawkins joined the Chicago Cubs. He was supposed to be the setup pitcher for their closer. When the closer got hurt, Hawkins took over the closing duties. He saved 25 games that year.

However, he also lost some save opportunities. This made some Cubs fans unhappy. In 2005, the Cubs changed their closer, and Hawkins was traded.

San Francisco Giants (2005)

Hawkins was traded to the San Francisco Giants in May 2005. He continued to pitch in the eighth inning, setting up for the closer. He played 45 games for the Giants that year.

Baltimore Orioles (2006)

Hawkins with the Baltimore Orioles in 2006

In 2006, Hawkins played for the Baltimore Orioles. He was their eighth-inning setup pitcher. He pitched in 60 games for the Orioles. After one season, he became a free agent again.

Colorado Rockies (2007)

Hawkins signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2007. He was their setup man for the closer. He pitched in 62 games. The Rockies had an amazing end to their season. They won a special tie-breaker game to make the playoffs.

Hawkins helped the Rockies win seven straight games in the playoffs. This led them to the 2007 World Series. However, they lost the World Series to the Boston Red Sox in four games.

New York Yankees (2008)

Hawkins joined the New York Yankees in 2008. He had to change his uniform number because his usual number was retired by the Yankees. He even changed it again after fans booed him!

Hawkins pitching for the New York Yankees in 2008

He struggled a bit with the Yankees. In July, he was traded to the Houston Astros.

Houston Astros (2008–2009)

After joining the Houston Astros in July 2008, Hawkins pitched incredibly well. He allowed very few runs. He signed a new contract to stay with the Astros for 2009.

In 2009, Hawkins played for the United States national baseball team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He also filled in as the Astros' closer when their regular closer was hurt. He had a great year with a 2.13 ERA.

Milwaukee Brewers (2010–2011)

Hawkins signed with the Milwaukee Brewers for two years in 2009. He had some shoulder injuries in 2010, which limited his playing time.

In 2011, he was healthy and pitched very well as the setup man. He helped the Brewers win their division. They made it to the playoffs, winning their first series. They lost in the next round to the Cardinals.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2012)

In 2012, Hawkins played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He had a good ERA for most of the season. He played in 48 games for the Angels.

New York Mets (2013)

Hawkins with the New York Mets in 2013

In 2013, Hawkins signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. He almost retired, but decided to keep playing. He earned a spot on the Mets' team.

Later that year, he became the Mets' closer. He saved 13 games, his most since 2004. He finished the season strong, converting 10 straight save chances.

Second Time with Colorado Rockies (2014–2015)

In 2014, Hawkins returned to the Colorado Rockies. At 41 years old, he was the oldest player in the National League. He served as the Rockies' closer for the whole season. He saved 23 games and had a good ERA.

In December 2014, Hawkins announced that 2015 would be his last season. He started 2015 as the closer but was later moved from the role. He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in July.

Toronto Blue Jays (2015)

On August 5, 2015, Hawkins made history with the Toronto Blue Jays. He became the 13th player ever to record a save against all 30 MLB teams. He also became the oldest Blue Jay to get a save.

He helped the Blue Jays win their division championship. Hawkins pitched well for the Blue Jays in the regular season. He made it to the playoffs with them. The Blue Jays won their first playoff series. They then lost in the next round. Hawkins retired at the end of the 2015 season.

Pitching Style

When LaTroy Hawkins first started, his fastball was around 88-91 miles per hour. He also threw a curveball, a slider, and a changeup.

Later in his career, his fastball became much faster, averaging around 95 miles per hour. A famous player, Ken Griffey Jr., once told Hawkins that his fastball was so good, he didn't need to throw a slow changeup. Hawkins learned from this advice. As he got older, he used his slider and a split-finger fastball more often.

Life Outside Baseball

LaTroy Hawkins is married to Anita, and they have two children, Dakari and Troi. They live in Texas. Hawkins is very close with his half-brother, Ronald Sewood, and has visited him often. He has also helped his brother by sending him books and magazines.

Hawkins is the godfather to Patrick Mahomes, who is a famous football quarterback. He is also good friends with former teammate Torii Hunter.

After he retired from playing, Hawkins became a special assistant for the Minnesota Twins. He helps the team with player development and scouting.

Hawkins has also done a lot of charity work. After Hurricane Katrina, he helped with relief efforts in Mississippi and Alabama. He helped rebuild homes and offered financial help to families. He has also given money to Gary Youth Baseball, which helps kids play Little League. In 2021, he and his wife helped a woman move to a safer apartment after a scary incident.

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