Former Dodger VP, Lakers forward Tommy Hawkins passes away
by Mark Langill
Tommy Hawkins, a Dodger vice president of communications for 18 years and an original member of the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away Wednesday at his home in Malibu. He was 80 years old.
The all-time leading rebounder in Notre Dame basketball history, Hawkins was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in the first round of the 1959 draft. The 6-foot-5 forward spent 10 seasons in the NBA with the Lakers and Cincinnati Royals.
Hawkins later embarked on a radio and television career in Southern California before joining the Dodger front office in 1987.
“Tommy Hawkins was a dear friend and one of the most respected people I have had the honor to know,” said former general manager Fred Claire. “Tommy had an amazing ability to leap, and he reached heights in basketball, baseball, friendships, business and life that few have ever accomplished.”