VANDERBILT ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME – CLASS OF 2009
Charles Hawkins (Baseball, Football, 1952-54)
Charlie Hawkins was a two-sport athlete with the Commodores, following in the footsteps of his father, but what made him even more special to the school and the Nashville community was his passion and leadership abilities. Hawkins was simultaneously a successful real estate businessman and active volunteer who donated much of his time and efforts to many organizations around the city. He was instrumental in the creation of Hawkins Field, a state-of-the-art baseball complex and the current home of the Commodores.
- Varsity football and baseball player at Vanderbilt from 1952-1954
- School’s first-ever All-Southeastern Conference performer in baseball in 1954
- Hawkins Field, home of the Vanderbilt baseball team, was named in his honor in 2004
- Donated $2 million for baseball field’s completion
- Served in U.S. Navy following graduation from Vanderbilt in 1954
- Active community member who served on the board of numerous organizations, including FCA, Nashville Red Cross and Montgomery Bell Academy, among others
- Served as president of the Middle Tennessee chapter of the National Football Foundation for four years
- Active member of Woodmont Christian Church
- Posthumously awarded the 2004 Reese L. Smith Award by the Nashville Sports Council