Elizabeth standout Hawkins signs with Bears
Published on March 27, 2003 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, N. J. -- The Newark Bears today agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Al Hawkins, a former three-sport standout at nearby Elizabeth High School and current Newark resident. Hawkins, who spent six seasons in the Milwaukee Brewers' chain, is the 11th player to ink with the defending Atlantic League Champions.
"I've heard nothing but good things about the Bears," Hawkins said. "I felt where I am at as far as getting back into shape this is an ideal situation, it's close to home, my family and friends can see me play. Whenever you have the opportunity to come in contact with a former major leaguer like (four-time batting champion and first-year Newark manager) Bill Madlock, it is both a blessing and a pleasure."
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Hawkins left Elizabeth High School as one of the most decorated athletes in the school's storied history, lettering four times in football, basketball and baseball. He earned All-State honors in all three sports, passing for over 100 touchdowns and scoring 1,650 points. On the diamond, he led all of New Jersey in strikeouts his final two seasons. After deciding to enter the Major League Baseball draft, he was a 15th round pick of the Brewers. Hawkins advanced through Milwaukee's minor league ladder, eventually landing at AA Huntsville early in the 1999 season. He won 17 games and fanned 122 batters in two seasons with the Stars. During his time in Alabama, he was part of a rotation which included current major leaguers Nick Neugebauer and Ben Sheets. Hawkins missed all of 2001 with an injury to his right shoulder and returned late in 2002, throwing 19 2/3 innings with Milwaukee's entry in the Arizona fall league. For his career, Hawkins has appeared in 100 games, making 95 starts. He has struck out 328 batters while posting a 4.79 ERA. Pronounced fit and ready to go, the 25-year old Hawkins will look to earn a spot in Newark's 2003 rotation.
"We are excited to welcome Al to our organization," Newark Vice President/General Manager Chris Bryan said. "You'd be hard pressed to find someone who had the accomplishments he did in high school. He showed during his time in the Brewers' organization that he was someone who could take the ball every fifth day and get the job done. He has already expressed an interest in becoming active in the community, I couldn't think of a better fit."
The Newark Bears compete in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The Atlantic League consists of eight teams in five different states and enters its sixth season of competition on May 1. Single-game tickets are already on sale. The Bears 2003 Schedule, Season Ticket Packages and Promotional Schedule for their Fifth Anniversary in the City of Newark have already been announced and can be viewed at www.NewarkBears.com. For more information please call 973.483.6900 or log on to NewarkBears.com.
Canadian American League Stories from March 27, 2003
- Jackals to Host Russian National Team on May 17th - New Jersey Jackals
- Black Bears Ready for 2003 Season - Berkshire Black Bears
- Elizabeth standout Hawkins signs with Bears - Newark Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
