Brad Hawpe's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 11th round of the 2000 MLB Draft. A left-handed hitter known for his power at the plate, Hawpe made his MLB debut with the Rockies on May 1, 2004. Over the next several years, he became a fixture in the Rockies' lineup, primarily playing as a right fielder.
Hawpe's breakout season came in 2006 when he played 155 games and hit .293 with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs. His performance helped solidify his role as a reliable offensive player for the Rockies. The following year, in 2007, Hawpe was an integral part of the Rockies' memorable run to the World Series. During the regular season, he posted a .291 batting average, hit 29 home runs, and drove in 116 runs. Although the Rockies were ultimately swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, Hawpe's contributions throughout the season were vital to the team's success.
In 2008, Hawpe continued to produce strong numbers, batting .283 with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs. His consistent performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team in 2009. That year, he finished with a .285 average, 23 home runs, and 86 RBIs, further establishing himself as a power hitter in the league.
However, as the 2010 season progressed, Hawpe's performance began to decline. He was released by the Rockies in August 2010 and subsequently signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. His stint with the Rays was short-lived, and he became a free agent at the end of the season.
In 2011, Hawpe signed with the San Diego Padres, where he played primarily as a first baseman. Unfortunately, his time with the Padres was marred by injuries, and he was released in August of that year. He attempted a comeback with the Texas Rangers in 2012 but was unable to make the major league roster and spent the season in the minors.
Hawpe's final attempt to return to the majors came in 2013 when he signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He played a handful of games for the Angels before being released in July. After his release, Hawpe retired from professional baseball.
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