Andy Hawkins

The Padres’ first pick in the 1978 June draft, Hawkins showed few signs of living up to expectations until the 1984 postseason, when he allowed just one earned run in 15.2 innings of relief and was the winner in San Diego’s only World Series victory.

Ed Whitson left the Padres after the season to sign with the Yankees as a free agent, opening up a rotation spot for Hawkins. The man whom manager Dick Williams had dubbed the “Timid Texan” became the first NL pitcher in 26 years to win his first 11 decisions, breaking the Padres’ record for consecutive wins by a starter. Hampered in the second half by a circulatory problem in his left index finger (caused by throwing the slider), he finished the season at 18-8. He recovered from 1987 shoulder problems to go 14-11 (3.35) in 1988.

Signed by the Yankees after the season to a big free agent contract, Hawkins became their number-one pitcher and had another hot streak in the middle of the 1989 season after a bad start. But 1990 brought nothing but bad luck for the expensive hurler. He pitched a no-hitter against the White Sox on July 1, 1990 but walked five and lost 4-0. In his next start, Hawkins tossed eleven shutout innings and lost again. Hawkins finished the season 5-12.

An 0-2, 9.95 start in 1991 prompted his release that May. Hawkins caught on with the A’s, but continued inconsistency and Oakland’s acquisition of Ron Darling brought an end to his career.