| Brad Hawpe | |
|---|---|
 Hawpe with the Colorado Rockies | |
| Right fielder | |
| Born: (1979-06-22)June 22, 1979 (age 45) Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 1, 2004, for the Colorado Rockies | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| July 22, 2013, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .275 |
| Home Runs | 124 |
| Runs batted in | 492 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Bradley Bonte Hawpe (born June 22, 1979) is an American former professionalbaseballoutfielder. Hawpe played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theColorado Rockies,Tampa Bay Rays,San Diego Padres andLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Before he became a professional, Hawpe attendedLouisiana State University (LSU), where he playedcollege baseball for theLSU Tigers.
Hawpe went toBoswell High School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he playedfirst base andpitched under head coach David Hatcher. He also won a Texas 4A State Championship.
Hawpe attendedLouisiana State University inBaton Rouge,Louisiana. He was a member of theLSU Tigers baseball team that won the2000 College World Series. In 1999, he playedcollegiate summer baseball in theCape Cod Baseball League for theYarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.[1][2]
Hawpe was drafted by theToronto Blue Jays in the 46th round of the1997 Major League Baseball Draft; however, he did not sign. Hawpe re-entered the MLB draft in2000, where he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 11th round; he subsequently signed with the team in June of that year.
In the minor leagues, Hawpe was named to All-Star teams in 2000 while playing in theNorthwest League and in 2003 while playing in theTexas League. He was the 2002Carolina League Most Valuable Player.
Hawpe played first base in the Rockies' minor league system, but moved to right field upon his promotion to the major leagues, as the Rockies hadTodd Helton at first base.[3] Hawpe made his major league debut on May 1,2004. He played in 42 games during the 2004 season.
After getting a chance to become a regular in2005, playing 101 games, Hawpe had a .262batting average with 9home runs and 47RBIs. In2006, Hawpe hit .293 with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also led all MLB right fielders inassists (16) and allNational League right fielders infielding percentage (.987). In2007, he hit .291 with 29 home runs and 116 RBIs. Defensively, though, he had the lowestrange factor (1.83) of all NL right fielders.
He missed time in2008 with ahamstring injury, but still managed to hit .283 with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs. Defensively, however, Hawpe had the lowest fielding percentage (.956) andrange factor (1.50), and most errors (9), of all major league right fielders.[4]
Hawpe was named to the2009 MLB All-Star Game.[5][6][7] Hawpe went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in the appearance.[8] He was robbed of a potential go-ahead home run in the seventh inning byTampa Bay Rays outfielderCarl Crawford, who was awarded the All-Star Game MVP award for the catch.[9]
The Rockies placed Hawpe on waivers on August 16, 2010.[10] He was given his release on August 18,[11] though he was on waivers until August 26.[12] On August 27, Hawpe signed a minor league contract with theTampa Bay Rays, reporting to the Class ACharlotte Stone Crabs.[13]
Following the 2010 season, Hawpe signed with theSan Diego Padres.[14] With the Padres, he returned to playing first base.[3] Hawpe played in 62 games for Padres in 2011.[15] On August 5, 2011, Hawpe underwent a season-endingTommy John surgery.[16]
Hawpe signed a minor league contract with theTexas Rangers on January 20, 2012. He also received an invitation to spring training.[17] On March 29, 2012, Hawpe was released by the Rangers.[18]
On January 17, 2013, thePittsburgh Pirates signed Hawpe to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.[19] He was released on March 23.[20]
On April 10, 2013, Hawpe signed a minor league contract with theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[21] He played for the Triple-ASalt Lake Bees until his contract was purchased by the Angels on June 8. Prior to having his contract purchased, Hawpe had wondered if his time in the big leagues was over. "I was OK with it," Hawpe said. "I've had a bunch of good memories in this game. I've been very fortunate and blessed. It doesn't mean I wouldn't like to make some more memories, but I've been very blessed, and if that was the end of it, I was OK with it."[22]
On July 29, 2013, Hawpe was designated for assignment. On August 4, 2013, the Angels requested unconditional release waivers on Hawpe for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release.[23]
