Brad Hawpe

High school and college

Hawpe went to Boswell High School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he played first base and pitched under head coach David Hatcher. He also won a Texas 4A State Championship.

Hawpe attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was a member of the LSU Tigers baseball team that won the 2000 College World Series.

Professional career

Hawpe was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 46th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft; however, he did not sign. Hawpe re-entered the MLB draft in 2000, 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 the Northwest League and in 2003 while playing in the Texas League. He was the 2002 Carolina 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 had Todd Helton at first base. 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 in 2005, playing 101 games, Hawpe had a .262 batting average with 9 home runs and 47 RBIs. In 2006, Hawpe hit .293 with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also led all MLB right fielders in assists (16) and all National League right fielders in fielding percentage (.987). In 2007, he hit .291 with 29 home runs and 116 RBIs. Defensively, though, he had the lowest range factor (1.83) of all NL right fielders.

He missed time in 2008 with a hamstring injury, but still managed to hit .283 with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs. Defensively, however, Hawpe had the lowest fielding percentage (.956) and range factor (1.50), and most errors (9), of all major league right fielders.

Hawpe was named to the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. Hawpe went 0-2 with a strikeout in the appearance.

The Rockies placed Hawpe on waivers on August 16, 2010. He was given his release on August 18, though he was on waivers until August 26. On August 27, Hawpe signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, reporting to the Class A Charlotte Stone Crabs.

Following the 2010 season, Hawpe signed with the San Diego Padres. With the Padres, he returned to playing first base. Hawpe played in 62 games for Padres in 2011. On August 5, 2011, Hawpe underwent a season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Hawpe signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on January 20, 2012. He also received an invitation to spring training. On March 29, 2012, Hawpe was released by the Rangers.

On January 17, 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Hawpe to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He was released on March 23.

On April 10, 2013, Hawpe signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He played for the Triple-A Salt 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."

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.