Digging into the batter’s box, 8-year-old Konnor Hawkinson shook off his coach’s advice, swung at the first pitch he saw, and sent it down the third baseline. A few aggressive turns around the diamond later, he stood on third base as teammates and spectators chanted his name. After the game Tuesday night, the Hawkins family headed straight to a Louisville hospital, where Konnor will undergo a 6-hour surgery today to remove a recently discovered brain tumor.
The diagnosis came unexpectedly during a routine eye exam on April 29. Doctors found a four-centimeter tumor in Konnor’s cerebellum, and the family won’t know if it’s cancerous, genetic, or likely to return until after the procedure. For now, they’re leaning on their faith and community — and giving Konnor moments of joy whenever they can.
“Physically, he barely has any symptoms,” Konnor’s mom, Katelyn Hawkinson, said. “I can’t imagine if we didn’t take the eye exam, how long it would have taken us to find out. …Emotionally, it is back and forth.”
The diagnosis brought an early end to Konnor’s baseball season, a sport he’s loved since he was 4 and playing catch with his dad Nick in their backyard. Inspired by Shohei Ohtani, Konnor enjoys both hitting and pitching in the Owensboro Catholic youth league.
Before Tuesday night’s game, all 12 teams scheduled to play gathered on one diamond and formed a prayer circle with the Hawkins family in the center. Konnor’s teammates stood behind him, holding a banner with his name on it.
“I like to have all of my friends and teammates with me,” Konnor said. “It means a lot and lets me forget about what is going on.”
The somber news has led to many sleepless nights for Katelyn and Nick, but they have been overwhelmed by the support from the Owensboro community.
“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for every prayer, message, donation, meal, and hug,” Katelyn said. “The love and support we have received have truly carried us through the hardest moments.”
A special “KJ Day” in Konnor’s honor is planned for May 18, with ticket proceeds benefiting the family.
“He was really excited when he found out (about KJ Day),” Katelyn said. “He said on the way here to the game that every day should be KJ Day.”
Konnor’s already looking ahead, hoping to return to the diamond in the coming months and get back to the game he loves.
