May 7, 2003

Houma Hawks sign Kaplan

By Eric LeBlanc
Sports Editor

The first professional baseball franchise in Houma history, the Houma Hawks, beginning their inaugural season in late May recently signed former Hahnville High School pitcher Josh Kaplan.

Kaplan, who played college baseball for Southeastern Louisiana University, is one of two left-handed pitchers that the Hawks signed this past Thursday.

Kaplan has also pitched professionally for the Baton Rouge Blue Marlins in 2001 and the Baton Rouge Riverbats in 2002.

The Houma Hawks were formed in October of 2002 and will begin play in the Southeastern League of Professional Baseball on Friday, May 30.

The Hawks will compete against the Baton Rouge Riverbats, the Selma Cloverleafs, the Pensacola Pelicans, the Montgomery Wings and the Macon Peaches.

The Hawks also feature several other area players including catcher Tharun Anderson (LaPlace), pitcher Steven Bourgeois (Paulina), infielder Todd Brown (LaPlace), outfielder Eric Brown (LaPlace), pitcher Shane Landry (Thibodaux) and pitcher Calvin Lee (Garyville).

The Hawks will play their home games at Southland Field in Houma located on Prevost Drive.

Season tickets are on sale now and are available by calling 1-866-33-HAWKS. Single game tickets and special packages will be available later on this month.

Look to the Herald-Guide during the Hawks’ season for updates on the team and Josh Kaplan.

Eric LeBlanc can be reached at EricL@heraldguide.com or at (985) 758-2795, ext. 219.