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Charlie Hawkins Memorial Day 3/31/2005 Festivites Scheduled Saturday to Honor Hawkins Nashville, Tenn. — Vanderbilt will honor the late Charlie Hawkins Saturday (April 2) prior to the noon Commodore/Ole Miss baseball game at Hawkins Field. Charlie Hawkins III, the stadium’s namesake, was a long-time contributor to the Vanderbilt community. A successful real estate developer, Hawkins played baseball and football for the Cmmodores from 1952-54 and became the first Vanderbilt pitcher to earn All-Southeastern Conference honors. He graciously donated more than $2 million to the stadium project. Hawkins passed away June 16, 2004. His father, Charles Hawkins II, lettered in both baseball and football at Vanderbilt in the mid-1920s. “In the two short years that I knew him, no one had a greater influence on me than Charlie,” Vanderbilt Head Baseball Coach Tim Corbin said. “My players thought the world of him and my family considered him a dear friend. I am so proud to coach in the stadium that is named for him.” Vanderbilt Chancellor Gordon Gee, Assistant Vice-Chancellor David Williams, Corbin and the Hawkins family will be on hand for the event. Hawkins Heroes, the Vanderbilt Baseball Student support group, will also take part in the festivities. “In working over 13 years in athletic development, I can honestly say I have never met a more passionate family than the Hawkins,” National Commodore Club Director Chris Wyrick said. “The initial gift to name the stadium was only the beginning of our relationship. I always enjoy telling the story of any event that is hosted by baseball, go ahead and reserve 25 spots because the entire Hawkins clan will be there. No one will ever replace Charlie, but his legacy will always live!” Charlie Hawkins Memorial Day Timeline |
