On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins,
the guys are joined by former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins. After
playing more than 20 years in the bigs, LaTroy has stayed in
baseball, as a special assistant with the Minnesota Twins. He
discusses where the game of baseball is today, plus what could have
been if he stuck with basketball over baseball. 10:00 - LaTroy
discusses life growing up in Gary, Indiana and what he learned
about working for everything you have. 13:00 - What was it about
baseball that made LaTroy want to pursue being a professional? Some
advice from his grandfather helped him stay committed to the sport.
19:30 - On the basketball court, LaTroy Hawkins was one of the best
players in Gary, but then Big Dog Glenn Robinson hit his growth
spurt and became Indiana's Mr Basketball. 20:00 - Rex on Big Dog
Glenn Robinson and his jump shot.... "and I should know because I
don't [play defense] either." 22:30 - After LaTroy was signed by
the Twins, he discussed when baseball really started to click.
While battling in the minors, he felt he could really be a pro
player. 29:00 - After growing up idolizing Michael Jordan, LaTroy
talks about playing against him when he was in the minor leagues
with the Birmingham Barons. 30:10 - LaTroy goes out of his
way to meet Michael Jordan in Birmingham "...oh cool I had some
girls in Gary, Indiana" 35:30 - LaTroy recalls what it was like
getting the call to The Show, and why coming off the 1994 strike
season created a unique set of circumstances for him. 40:00 - How
the transition from starter to relief pitcher worked for LaTroy,
while others would feel like it would be some kind of demotion.
44:00 - For most professional athletes, they want to retire on
their own terms, and when they feel like they could still do it.
For LaTroy, he made that decision at 42 years old, after 21 years
in the Bigs. He could even throw a 96 MPH fastball! 51:00 - One of
LaTroy's best friends with the Twins, Pat Mahomes, was so excited
to share being a father with him. The story of how LaTroy became
the godfather to Patrick Mahomes II. 57:30 - What kind of mindset
did LaTroy have when he was on the mound and it was 1-on-1 with so
many of those great hitters of the 90's and 00's? Learn more about
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