Tommy Hawkins Returns To Dodger Radio Network

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Dodgers Vice President, External Affairs Tommy Hawkins has chosen an “active retirement” after 18 years with the organization, leaving his executive post to join the Dodger broadcast team as well as continuing to work on special projects, the Dodgers announced today.

“I’ve taken great pride as a representative of this fine organization, and I’m happy to remain an active part of the Los Angeles Dodgers family,” Hawkins said.  “The Dodgers are a vital part of the fabric of Los Angeles, and it has and continues to be my privilege to provide a bridge between this franchise and the greater community.”

“Tommy Hawkins has played an integral role in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization for nearly two decades, keeping the Dodgers in the forefront of the minds of the fans of Los Angeles while providing a shining example of loyalty, devotion and work ethic from his colleagues,” Dodgers Executive Vice President Lon Rosen said.  “While he has retired from his executive role, we’re pleased Tommy will continue to be a contributing member of the organization.”

An award-winning broadcaster prior to joining the Dodgers, Hawkins returns to the airwaves as a member of the Dodgers Radio Network pregame show, which is heard over flagship KFWB and across the Dodgers’ affiliate network. He will also work on various special projects.

Hawkins joined the Dodgers on Oct. 28, 1987 as Vice President, Communications.  Amongst his many achievements, Hawkins created and oversaw the Dodgers’ award-winning Publications department.  In his most recent role, Hawkins oversaw all External Affairs department functions and the Dodgers’ Speakers Bureau, as well as making more than 80 speaking appearances each year on behalf of the franchise.

Hawkins has been instrumental in many high-profile sports event achievements in Los Angeles, serving as a leader among the contributors to the 1991 Summer Olympic Festival in Los Angeles; the city’s hosting of the International Baseball World Cup; and the legendary “100 Greatest

coordinating the appearance of “The Three Tenors” at Dodger Stadium in 1994.  Hawkins is a central figure in support of the HollenbeckYouthCenter and the Inner-City Games-Los Angeles.

A leader in the community, Hawkins is a member of the Board of Directors of the Center Theater Group and co-chair of its

Hawkins’ numerous and illustrious careers began with 10 years as a National Basketball Association player. A two-time All-America honoree at the University of Notre Dame, Hawkins played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1959-61 and 1966-69 and the Cincinnati Royals from 1961-65.

Hawkins made a smooth transition from the court to the airwaves, spending his next 19 years as a television and radio broadcaster in Los Angeles.  He hosted Mid-Morning Los Angeles on KHJ-TV from 1972-76 and 1985-87 and also hosted Daybreak L.A. on KABC-TV from 1977-78.  Hawkins was also a sports anchor from 1969-73 on KNBC-TV, where he earned a Golden Mike award in 1971.  He served as a network basketball analyst alongside Curt Gowdy and Jim Simpson on NBC from 1970-75. 

Hawkins also spent 14 years at KABC radio, from 1973-87, where he created such memorable shows as Baseball Spotlight, Dodger Forecast and Dodger Confidential, while also hosting the popular SportsTalk and DodgerTalk.  In addition, he was KABC’s sports director from 1978-85.

Hawkins has won numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including winning the 2002 “Duke” Award for outstanding service to the Los Angeles Athletic Club.  He was also named a “Treasure of Los Angeles” by the Central City Association in 1996; inducted into the California Black Sports Hall of Fame in 1996; named to the Los Angeles Athletic club Hall of Fame in 1993; Franciscan Communications’ Communicator of the Year in 1993; recipient of the Vincent T. Lombardi Award from the Boy Scouts of America’s L.A. Council in 1993; inducted into the Chicago Hall of Fame in 1990; honored with a star on the Sports Walk of Fame in San Pedro in 1985; and chosen by the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1973.

In 2000, Hawkins received the Founder’s Award from the Reviving Baseball in the Innercities (RBI), and was also honored by the Children’s Burn Foundation as the recipient of the Giving New Hope Award.  The Los AngelesUnifiedSchool District Adopt-a-School Council honored Hawkins as an Ambassador to the Partnerships and Adopt-a-School program.  In 1999, Hawkins was the recipient of the Sorin Award, given annually to the outstanding Notre Dame alumnus.