There's One Word LaTroy Hawkins Won't Tolerate In The Clubhouse
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (CBS4) - Colorado Rockies closer LaTroy Hawkins has yet to allow a run in spring training. Of course he's only pitched two innings, but it happens to be his final spring training.
After 21 seasons in the big leagues, Hawkins, 42, will retire as the oldest active player in the major leagues.
Hawkins has been a pro baseball player longer than the Rockies have been a pro baseball team. He was drafted straight out of high school in 1991. He has pitched for 10 different teams, and this happens to be his second stop in Colorado.
CBS4's Vic Lombardi asked Hawkins if retiring as the oldest player in the league is a badge of honor for him.
"I don't look at it as a badge of honor. I just don't want to be an ornament, you know. I want to pull my own weight," Hawkins said. "I can still get guys out. I don't want people to get it twisted that, 'He's just around to be a mentor and a leader' … I can still pitch ... at least I could be last year."
Hawkins had 23 saves last year, and that was for a team where saves were hard to come by. But he said he doesn't have to be the closer for every game this year.
"I'm not a guy who's stuck on, 'Oh, that's my job.' No … I have the utmost respect for Walt Weiss and Jeff (Bridich) and the Monforts … I'll do whatever it takes to win," Hawkins said. "I have no problem. When I found out when they were talking to (John) Axford, bring him over … he called me and asked me about the organization. I told him, 'You know, Axford, we could be really good, or we could be really bad. But if we're really good, I don't think I could save 40 games. Twenty-five to 30, yeah. I'm going to need help.'
"He was like, ' No, no, no; I'm not coming to take your job.' 'I'm not worried about that Ax; I'm worried about some help.' "
In his final big league season, Hawkins clearly just wants to be one of the guys … but when it comes to music in the clubhouse, he will lay down the law.
"I don't mind the cursing, but I don't want hear the N word," Hawkins said. "Last year it was a little battle, but now they have total respect for it, which is good," he said. "In the clubhouse, 25 guys in here from all over the world, we're going to curse. But I don't want to hear the N word."
Hawkins said he just plain doesn't use the word.
"My grandfather is 89 years old … I've never heard him say it … and he said because when he was growing up, people didn't know his name. They thought his name was the N word … he doesn't like that word, it brings back bad memories of being born and raised in Mississippi. It's like, 'Wow, it makes sense.' "
Hawkins says as a hunter and cow owner, he loves country music. He also says there will be no change of heart and he will definitely retire following this season.