:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4388595/129100642.jpg)
On this day in 1972, LaTroy Hawkins was born in Gary, Indiana. He was 18 years old when the Twins selected him in the seventh round of the 1991 draft, and after four seasons in the minors he made his major league debut as a starter in 1995.
Hawkins actually started 98 of his first 99 major league appearances, but the results were disastrous. He posted a 6.16 ERA in 521.1 innings over five seasons, and after leading the AL in earned runs in 1999 the Twins moved him to the bullpen for good.
By 2002, Hawkins had become an excellent reliever. He posted a 2.00 ERA in his final two seasons as a Twin, earning a multi-year deal with the Cubs. Hawkins has played for seven teams in the eight seasons since, and just finished his 16th and 17th major league seasons as a member of the Brewers. Next year he'll add a ninth team to his resume, as he recently signed a free agent contract with the Angels.
Hawkins turns 39 today. With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:
- AZL Brewer Joel Pierce, who turns 19.
- Huntsville Star Khris Davis, who turns 24.
- 1958-60 Milwaukee Brave Bob Rush, who would have turned 86.