Former Missouri State baseball standout Joey Hawkins returning as hitting coach: sources

"Joey Bunts" is coming home.

Missouri State baseball is hiring fan-favorite Joey Hawkins as its next hitting coach and recruiting coordinator, multiple sources have told the News-Leader. Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball was the first to report.

Hawkins was a member of the Bears from 2011-15 and was a captain of the Super Regional team in 2015. He was known for his sacrifice bunts in addition to his ability on defense — being named the Missouri Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 2015.

Hawkins will replace Matt Lawson — who was let go by the Bears following the 2021 season.

His post-MSU-playing career ended with him being drafted in the 40th round by the St. Louis Cardinals following…