Rangers' Hicks hits 'em where they ain't
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- As playoff baseball rages from coast-to-coast -- especially in the state of Texas -- hitters are making their mark and carving out legacies for years to come. For all of the jaw-dropping homers and run-scoring hits this October, no one currently digging into the batter’s box is
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- As playoff baseball rages from coast-to-coast -- especially in the state of Texas -- hitters are making their mark and carving out legacies for years to come. For all of the jaw-dropping homers and run-scoring hits this October, no one currently digging into the batter’s box is as hot as Rangers prospect Liam Hicks.
After notching the first six-hit game in the Arizona Fall League in 14 years on Tuesday, Hicks was at it again Thursday in Surprise’s 7-6 win at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, collecting three knocks in his first three plate appearances. For context, just 13 MLB players since 1961 have rapped hits in 10 straight at-bats, a mark that Hicks fell just short of after drawing a walk in the seventh. (The Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez is the most recent big leaguer to have a hit in nine straight at-bats, having done so in August.)
Hicks’ latest banner night came against arguably the most advanced arm he’s faced at this stage of his career, Atlanta’s Dylan Dodd, who made seven starts in The Show in 2023.
“He's got some nasty stuff, but I also know he's gonna be in the zone,” Hicks said of the left-handed Dodd. “He's got really good command. So really, I was just trying to look for a fastball in the zone, something I'm going to turn around.”
And did Hicks ever turn a heater around in his first at-bat. Getting a center-cut fastball, the left-handed-hitting catcher walloped a ball 427 feet to straightaway center at 103.3 mph off the bat. The ball -- which would have been a home run in 29 of the 30 MLB ballparks according to Statcast -- caromed off the batter’s eye and resulted in a double.
On the other side of the coin, when you’re living as right as Hicks has been, even softly hit balls seem to find a hole. Protecting the plate in a two-strike count in the fifth, the Toronto native got his bat to an 84.2 mph cutter outside the zone and dribbled it into center.
Hicks has collected a hit in each of his first six Fall League appearances for Surprise, pacing the entire circuit with a .538 average. The 24-year-old backstop spent the majority of the season with Double-A Frisco after hitting his way through the lower levels of the Minors over the past two years. Walking nearly as many times as he struck out in 2023, he posted a .414 on-base percentage, the top mark among Rangers Minor Leaguers with at least 250 plate appearances.
Hicks closed the regular season in something of a rut, with nine hits over his final 12 games. He had nearly two weeks off from game action before flawlessly delving into the Fall League. While Rangers faithful are fully locked on the team’s path to a potential World Series run, Hicks and other talent in the pipeline look to that standard from afar.
“They treat the guys so well and it's so nice seeing how successful they are up there,” Hicks said of the organization. “Just great people, great baseball players, but even better people. So that's really what makes it even better.”
Even unprecedented streaks have a conclusion. After reaching base in 10 straight plate appearances for the Saguaros, Hicks was finally retired in the ninth. But he still had the last laugh.
Strapping back on the catcher’s gear, Texas’ ninth-round pick from the 2021 Draft aided hard-throwing right-hander Emiliano Teodo through a 1-2-3 final frame. The Rangers’ No. 22 prospect consistently ramped his heater north of 98 mph, even touching 100.3 on one of his strikeouts.
The elevated competition level portends to pay dividends as Hicks continues a journey that saw him playing at Mineral Area Junior College in Park Hills, Mo., just four years ago. After two seasons at Arkansas State -- where he slashed a combined .340/.482/.571 -- he signed with the Rangers for a well-below-slot $30,000 signing bonus.
“Tons of work. Tons of nights in the cage with friends, teammates,” Hicks said of his journey. “I know there's still a long way to go because this isn't the end goal that I want to be at. But I am really proud of myself for how hard I've worked and how far I've come.”
Jesse Borek is a reporter/coordinator of prospect content at MLB Pipeline and MiLB. Follow him on Twitter @JesseABorek.
Position Preview: Newly-Acquired Reliever Chase Shugart Headlines Indians 2025 Projected Bullpen
INDIANAPOLIS – As temperatures and relievers warm up in anticipation for Indianapolis Indians Opening Day at Victory Field on April 1, many familiar faces and a new arrival to the organization round out this season’s projected bullpen. Two Young Bucs seek to make their major league debuts while being surrounded
Position Preview: Multiple Pirates’ Top Prospects Projected to Fill Indy’s Rotation
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians return to the Circle City to kick off the 2025 season at Victory Field on April 1. Indy’s projected starting rotation looks to feature multiple prospects who rank highly in the Pirates’ system and have a serious chance to crack Pittsburgh’s rotation later this season
Indians Announce Broadcast Partnership with FOX59, CBS4 and The Dot for 2025
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Indianapolis Indians announced that 15 games from Victory Field will be broadcast live to fans across Central Indiana during the 2025 season in partnership with FOX59, CBS4 and The Dot.
Position Preview: Potential Indians Outfielders Vying for Spots on MLB Roster
INDIANAPOLIS – Opening Day is on the horizon and the Indians outfield is taking shape. With the big-league roster still coming into focus, two Young Bucs look to make their major league debuts in 2025 while two veterans with a chance at making the club round out the position group.
Position Preview: 2024 Team MVP Liover Peguero Highlights Indy’s Projected Infield
INDIANAPOLIS – As the Indianapolis Indians gear up for the 2025 season at Victory Field, set to kick off on Tuesday, April 1, players of every position group are down in Bradenton, Fla. honing their skills at Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training. Indy’s projected lineup, particularly in the infield category, could
Indians 2025 Single-Game Tickets On Sale Now
INDIANAPOLIS – As of this morning at 10 AM, single-game tickets for all 75 Indianapolis Indians 2025 regular season home games are on sale. Fans may visit IndyIndians.com/Tickets, call (317) 269-3545 or visit the Victory Field Box Office to purchase tickets. Following a weekend trip to St. Paul from March
Indians Unveil 2025 Season Promotional Schedule
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today unveiled their 2025 season promotional schedule, which includes fireworks shows, fan-favorite nights and weekends, brand-new giveaways, specialty jersey auctions and more. Single-game tickets go on sale to the public at 10 AM ET on Monday, March 3 and the Indians’ 2025 home opener is
Indians Announce 2025 Daily Deals
INDIANAPOLIS – Fan-favorite Daily Deals are officially returning to Victory Field for the upcoming 2025 season, which kicks off on Tuesday, April 1 vs. the Iowa Cubs. Tickets for the Indianapolis Indians 75-game home slate through mid-September go on sale to the general public on Monday, March 3 at 10
Victory Field Nominated for Best Minor League Ballpark by USA TODAY
INDIANAPOLIS – USA TODAY and the Indianapolis Indians today announced that Victory Field has been nominated for Best Minor League Ballpark as part of the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting exemplary attractions and businesses to provide readers with recommendations. Fans can vote for Victory Field once per day through Monday,
Indians to Hold Game Day Employee Open Interviews on Feb. 22
INDIANAPOLIS –The Indianapolis Indians today announced that the organization is hiring and will hold open interviews for game day employee positions from 10 AM-2 PM on Saturday, Feb. 22 on the Elements Financial Suite Level at Victory Field. Applications for bat boy/clubhouse workers, field operations crew, guest relations ambassadors, kid
Indians Announce 2025 Intern Class
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today announced the hiring of 12 seasonal assistants for the 2025 season. Former Indians interns have earned full-time roles in the sports industry with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Learfield IMG College, Carolina Panthers,
Former Indians Infielder Chris Truby Named Triple-A Manager for 2025 Season
INDIANAPOLIS – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that former Indianapolis Indians infielder Chris Truby has been named the Triple-A club’s manager for the 2025 season after serving as its bench coach in 2024. He will become the 63rd manager in franchise history (since 1902) and the seventh since the Indians’
Celebrate Your Bear-y Special Someone with Rowdie’s Valentine’s Surprise
INDIANAPOLIS – If that special someone in your life loves baseball, there’s no better gift this Valentine’s Day than a specialty Indianapolis Indians package and visit from everyone’s favorite, lovable bear Rowdie. Beginning today, fans may purchase a Rookie Bundle for $90, which is perfect for the kiddo in your
Indians Statement on the Passing of Bob Uecker
The Indianapolis Indians are deeply saddened by the passing of former catcher and longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster Bob Uecker, who died Thursday at the age of 90.
Bruce Schumacher Honored as Sagamore of the Wabash
INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Indians Chairman of the Board Bruce Schumacher has been recognized by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb with a Sagamore of the Wabash Award, presented to those with distinguished service and contribution to Hoosier heritage. Bruce joins his father, Indians chairman emeritus Max Schumacher, as a recipient of Indiana’s
Indians Statement on the Passing of Rocky Colavito
The Indianapolis Indians are deeply saddened by the passing of Rocky Colavito, who died Tuesday night at the age of 91.
2024 Season in Review: Skenes to Shines and Everything Between
In the end, the Indians’ 2024 season was a baseball mountain range, with lots of peaks and a few valleys in between.
‘Tis the Season: Rowdie’s Home Plate Holiday Set for Saturday, Dec. 7
INDIANAPOLIS – After a successful Halloween-themed event at Victory Field, the Indianapolis Indians’ mascot Rowdie has been hard at work preparing for Rowdie’s Home Plate Holiday presented by Riley Children’s Health and Williams Comfort Air. The holiday event runs from 8-11 AM on Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Elements Financial
Indians Win Best Non-Gameday/Community Event Golden Bobblehead Award for Charity Event SWING
Charlotte, N.C. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the winners of the 2024 Golden Bobblehead Awards for top promotional activities and events in six categories. SWING, Indianapolis Indians Charities’ signature event, was the winner in the Best Non-Gameday/Community Event category.
Indianapolis Indians’ Randy Lewandowski Named MiLB Executive of the Year
Charlotte, N.C. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced Indianapolis Indians president & CEO Randy Lewandowski as the 2024 MiLB Executive of the Year. Nominees from each league were selected by their peers before a final round of voting.
Indianapolis Indians Announce 2025 Schedule
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today released the 2025 schedule. The Indians will begin the 123rd season in franchise history with a three-game weekend series starting Friday, March 28, at St. Paul (Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins). Indy returns home to Victory Field on Tuesday, April 1, to open
Look What You Made Us Do: Baseb(All) Too Well Pre-Concert Parties On Deck at Victory Field
INDIANAPOLIS – Are you ready for it? The Indianapolis Indians today announced that Baseb(All) Too Well – a pre-concert party to be hosted at Victory Field from 3-7 PM on Friday, Nov. 1 – now has a second date for concertgoers and non-alike from 3-7 PM on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Bae and Yorke Named to International League All-Star Team
INDIANAPOLIS – Minor League Baseball today announced that outfielder Ji Hwan Bae and utilityman Nick Yorke have been named to the International League postseason All-Star team. They are the first Indianapolis Indians position players to be named to the squad since second baseman Jake Elmore joined starting pitcher Mitch Keller
Ten Former Indians Highlight 2024 MLB Postseason Rosters
INDIANAPOLIS – Four best-of-three Wild Card series kick off the 2024 Major League Baseball postseason today, with 10 former Indianapolis Indians scattered across seven of the clubs fighting for a World Series championship.
Cosmic Takeover Tour Coming to Victory Field in 2025
INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis is ready to take a shot in the dark. Victory Field will be one of five Triple-A ballparks to host the Cosmic Takeover Tour in 2025, when the Tri-City Chili Peppers – a college summer baseball team based out of Colonial Heights, Va. in the Coastal Plain