LINCOLN –One of the most successful players to don a Saltdogs uniform called it a career Monday, as 1B Phil Hawke announced his retirement from baseball.
In three seasons with the Saltdogs, Hawke launched 44 home runs, good for third on Lincoln’s all-time list.
The Pensacola, Fla. native also ranks among Lincoln’s top five in on-base percentage, RBI, walks, and sacrifice flies. He was named to the Saltdogs All-Decade team for the 2000s.
“Phil was a tremendous ballplayer for us, an even better guy, and a favorite amongst Saltdogs fans,” Lincoln Vice President/General Manager Tim Utrup said. “We thank him for three terrific seasons and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Hawke began his professional career in the Texas Rangers organization in 2005 after playing collegiately at University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The 28-year old also had a two-year stint with Windy City (Frontier League), where he was named to the All Independent Leagues Second Team by Baseball America.
The former Lincoln first basemen finished with a career batting average of .288, 88 home runs and 385 RBI in 534 games.