Rockies reliever LaTroy Hawkins to retire after 2015 season
Colorado Rockies pitcher LaTroy Hawkins will retire after the 2015 season, the veteran reliever told MLB Network on Friday.
Hawkins, who turns 42 on Dec. 21, will be entering his 21st season in the majors. He has spent time on the rosters of 10 teams. He started his career with the Minnesota Twins, where he spent the first nine seasons of his career. Hawkins was originally a starting pitcher, but was converted to a reliever in 2000.
Last month, the Rockies picked up Hawkins' contract option for next season. He will make $2.25 million.
"I had a great manager in Minnesota by the name of Tom Kelly, and Tom Kelly always told me that, 'You keep doing this, son, and it'll turn around for you. You have what it takes, and I've seen it before,'" Hawkins said. "And when he told me they were going to put me in the bullpen, he said, 'This is going to help you stay in the big leagues for a long time.' And he was right."
Hawkins went 4-3 with a 3.31 ERA and 23 saves last season for the Rockies, who had the second-worst record in the majors.
For his career, Hawkins has a 72-93 record with a 4.33 ERA in 1,000 career appearances, which ranks 16th all-time.
- Scooby Axson
