MLBbro LaTroy Hawkins has been hired by the Minnesota Twins as their bullpen coach under new manager Derek Shelton for the 2026 season. In addition to hosting his “Player’s Take” segments on MLBro.com, after working as a special assistant to the baseball operations department over the past nine seasons and filling in as an analyst on Twins television broadcasts, Hawkins is accepting his first coaching assignment.
He’s truly mastered his life after baseball, by staying in the game while expanding his influence within the culture.
Latroy Hawkins Was A Durable Reliever Who Pitched 21 MLB Seasons
The Gary, Indiana native debuted with the Twins in 1995 after being drafted at the age of 22 in 1991. The Twin Cities would be the first of 11 stops throughout a well-traveled, 21-year MLB career. Hawkins excelled in a setup role for the AL Central champion teams in 2002 and 2003. A true ironman, Hawkins ranks 10th on baseball’s all-time list with 1,042 pitching appearances and is one of just 13 relievers in history to record a save against all 30 current major league teams.
Latroy Hawkins Shares Gems With The Youth & Graduated From College
Hawkins’ hire is another triumph for the 52-year-old, who has built himself quite a career after retiring from the game. In addition to lending his years of experience to Major League Baseball’s various diversity and development initiatives (Breakthrough Series, Dream Series, Hank Aaron Invitational) in May, Hawkins, earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Southern New Hampshire University — and he did it magna cum laude! Hawkins closed on a promise he made to his grandma to finish his education.
