Jim Hicks – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Hicks played parts of five seasons in Major League Baseball, suiting up for the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and California Angels before he finally hung up his cleats in 1970.

Even though his MLB career was tough—he batted just .163 over 93 games—Hicks found real success in the minor leagues. He even snagged a Pacific Coast League MVP award in 1968 after hitting .366 with 23 home runs.

He was born in East Chicago, Indiana, on May 18, 1940. Hicks signed with the White Sox organization in 1959 and worked his way through their farm system for six years.

His pro journey ended up spanning 16 seasons across North America and Japan. He kept showing the grit and skill that made him a standout at the Triple-A level, even if big league success just never quite came his way.

When you really look at Hicks’ career, you see his story goes way beyond his short time in the MLB. He had standout moments in the Pacific Coast League, played well with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan, and proved there are all kinds of paths in pro baseball.

His path from the White Sox farm system to international baseball shows just how much dedication it takes to keep a long career going.

Early Life and Background

James Edward Hicks was born on May 18, 1940, in East Chicago, Indiana. Some sources say he was born in 1939 and originally came from Claiborne County, Mississippi.

His family moved to East Chicago when he was little. There, he became one of the area’s most promising young athletes.

Family Origins and Childhood in East Chicago

The Hicks family left Claiborne County, Mississippi, and settled in East Chicago, Indiana, during Jim’s early years. That move was huge for his athletic growth, since East Chicago had more sports opportunities.

Growing up in East Chicago, Hicks lived in a working-class neighborhood. The gritty, industrial city shaped his character and work ethic.

His family always backed his athletic dreams. From the start, they encouraged him to chase his sports ambitions.

Moving from the rural South to the Midwest exposed Hicks to new cultures. East Chicago’s diversity and competitive sports teams gave him chances he likely wouldn’t have had in Mississippi back then.

Education and High School Baseball

Hicks went to Roosevelt High School in East Chicago. There, he stood out in three sports—football, basketball, and baseball.

During his senior year in 1958, he was a 6’3″ forward on the basketball team, scoring 374 points in 24 games for a 15.6 points-per-game average.

He also played end on the football team and was a key hitter on the baseball squad.

His athletic skills didn’t go unnoticed. The Hammond Times named him Prep Athlete of the Year in 1958.

He’d been runner-up for the same award as a junior, which really says something about his consistency.

Coach Eddie Dudek saw serious baseball potential in him. “He’s got more potential than some of those bonus babies they’re signing,” Dudek said. “He can run, has a strong arm and hits the ball a mile.”

Influence of Claiborne County and Early Mentors

Even though Hicks grew up mostly in East Chicago, his Claiborne County roots stuck with him. That Mississippi background was a big contrast to his urban Indiana life.

Coach Eddie Dudek became his most important early mentor. Dudek knew baseball was Hicks’ best sport and pushed him to go pro.

The coach’s advice turned out to be spot-on. Hicks picked baseball over football in the end.

At first, Hicks got a football scholarship to the University of Illinois. He wanted to play baseball too, but the school said he’d lose his scholarship if he didn’t focus only on football.

So, he made a big decision. “You see, I wanted to play baseball and I figured I might not get another chance,” Hicks explained about leaving college to turn pro.

His high school coach’s confidence in his baseball skills helped set the course for his professional career.

Professional Baseball Career

Jim Hicks played pro baseball for 16 years. He spent five seasons in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and California Angels from 1964 to 1970.

He really shined in the Pacific Coast League, picking up MVP honors in 1968. Later, he found success in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Hicks made his Major League debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1964. He was 24 at the time.

He only appeared in two games that year and didn’t get an at-bat. Not exactly a dream start.

In 1965, he finally got some real MLB action. He played 13 games for the White Sox, batting .263 with one home run and two RBIs in 19 at-bats.

That was a pretty encouraging sign for the young guy from East Chicago.

His 1966 season with Chicago saw him in 18 games. He got 26 at-bats and hit .192 with one RBI.

His average went down, but he picked up more experience, playing both outfield and first base.

These early seasons shaped Hicks as a utility player. His versatility ended up being one of his trademarks.

Roles as Outfielder and Key Positions

Hicks mostly played outfield during his MLB days. He got time in all three outfield spots, but right field was his main gig.

His defensive stats were solid. In 1966, he played eight games in right field and didn’t make a single error.

Managers liked having him around for his reliability in the field.

He also played some first base. In 1966, he appeared in two games there, handling 13 chances but making one error.

Being able to move around the field kept him on MLB rosters, even though his offense was pretty modest.

Teams liked his flexibility and defensive skills in backup roles.

Performance with the Chicago White Sox

Hicks played three seasons with the Chicago White Sox from 1964 to 1966. In 33 games, he picked up 45 at-bats and hit .222 with one home run and three RBIs.

His best showing came in 1965 when he posted a .737 OPS, even though he didn’t play much.

That included his only home run for the White Sox and hinted at some power.

The team mostly used him as a pinch hitter and defensive replacement. The White Sox had a deep roster, so Hicks didn’t see a ton of action.

Still, he gained experience with Chicago. The organization helped him develop his skills at multiple positions and prepped him for future chances.

St. Louis Cardinals and Breakout PCL Season

After leaving Chicago, Hicks spent some time in the minors before joining the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969.

With St. Louis, he played 19 games and batted .182 with one home run and three RBIs.

But his real highlight came in the Pacific Coast League in 1968. Hicks won the PCL MVP while playing for a minor league affiliate, hitting .366 and slugging .649.

That season showed off his offensive abilities at the Triple-A level. When he got regular playing time, he was a force.

After his time with the Cardinals, Hicks was traded to the California Angels in 1969. He played his last MLB game for the Angels on April 20, 1970, at age 30.

Highlight Achievements with Tulsa Oilers and Pacific Coast League

Jim Hicks hit the top of his minor league career with the Tulsa Oilers in 1968, winning the Pacific Coast League MVP award thanks to a .366 average and 23 home runs.

The Oilers, led by manager Warren Spahn, dominated the PCL that season. They won the East Division by 18 games and took home the league championship.

1968 Pacific Coast League MVP Season

Hicks had his best pro season in 1968 with the Tulsa Oilers. He hit .366 and slugged .649, which is just wild, even for the PCL.

The Cardinals’ farm system was a great fit for him that year. He put together power and average like never before.

His 23 home runs and high average made him a nightmare for pitchers.

The Oilers’ success wasn’t just about Hicks, though. Under Hall of Fame manager Warren Spahn, they went 95-53 and led the league in runs scored.

Hicks grabbed MVP honors in a league packed with future MLB talent. That year was the absolute peak of his pro career.

Statistical Milestones and Home Runs

In 1968, Hicks put up career-best numbers all over the place. He hit 23 homers and drove in 85 runs, giving the Oilers a huge boost.

His .366 average was among the best in PCL history. Pair that with a .649 slugging percentage, and you’ve got a rare combo of power and average.

The Oilers scored more runs than any other team in the league that year. Hicks thrived in that kind of offensive environment.

After the 1967 season, the Cardinals picked him up, and his minor league success got him a spot on their 1969 opening day roster.

Legacy with Tulsa Oilers

The 1968 Tulsa Oilers are still remembered as one of the best teams in PCL history. Hicks’ MVP season anchored an offense that crushed the league and won the championship series against Spokane, four games to one.

Warren Spahn’s leadership, plus players like Hicks, built a winning culture. The team finished 18 games ahead in the division, which is just nuts.

Hicks’ time with Tulsa marked his move from prospect to legit minor league star. That MVP award capped years of hard work in pro baseball and earned him another shot in the majors.

The Oilers’ championship run showed off the Cardinals’ farm system depth. Several players from that team, including Hicks, got MLB call-ups thanks to their PCL performances.

California Angels Tenure and Final MLB Season

Jim Hicks joined the California Angels in 1969 after a short stint with the Cardinals. His time with the Angels wrapped up his six-year MLB career, which ended after the 1970 season.

Joining the California Angels in 1969

Hicks landed with the Angels during the 1969 season. He’d already spent some time with the Cardinals earlier that year before joining California.

The Angels gave Hicks another shot in the big leagues. He played both outfield and first base for them.

His earlier experience with the White Sox made him a useful veteran. The Angels needed guys who could fill in at different spots.

For Hicks, moving to California was a fresh start. He had a real chance to prove himself with a team still shaping its identity in the American League.

1970 Season and Retirement Decision

The 1970 season turned out to be Hicks’ last in Major League Baseball. He played his final MLB games in a California Angels uniform.

That year, the Angels finished with 86 wins and 76 losses, good for third in the AL West.

Hicks shared the clubhouse with notable players like Jim Fregosi and Alex Johnson. The Angels scored 631 runs and gave up 630, so it was a pretty even season for them.

After 1970, Hicks decided to retire from MLB. But he wasn’t done with baseball yet.

He went on to play in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league from 1973 to 1974.

That retirement ended a six-year MLB run across three teams. Hicks had carved out a reputation as a versatile, dependable player who could handle different positions.

Life and Career After Retirement

James Edward Hicks kept his baseball journey going in Japan’s pro leagues before eventually settling into a quieter life away from the field.

His years overseas stretched his playing days, and later on, he found personal fulfillment and stayed connected to the game he loved.

International Career in Japanese Baseball

After he retired from Major League Baseball in 1970, Hicks saw new opportunities open up in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. He played professionally in Japan from 1973 to 1974, stretching his career out by three years after leaving MLB.

Back then, not many American players made the jump to Japan. Hicks joined a small group of former MLB players who helped bridge the gap between American and Japanese baseball during the early 1970s.

He kept playing at a professional level in Japan and got to experience a completely different baseball culture. Honestly, the move says a lot about Hicks’ dedication to the game and his willingness to adapt to new places.

Those two years in Japan wrapped up his professional playing days. After 1974, Hicks hung up his cleats for good.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

After his baseball career ended, Hicks kept a pretty low profile. He eventually settled down in Missouri City, Texas, and lived there until he passed away on October 29, 2020, at age 81.

There’s not much public information about his community involvement or what he did after baseball. Like a lot of players from his era, Hicks probably just blended back into regular life without much fanfare.

People sometimes got confused about his birth year. Official records listed 1940, but some family documents and baseball paperwork pointed to 1939 instead.

He lived a long life after baseball, almost fifty years from retirement to his passing. That kind of longevity let him see the sport change in ways he probably never expected.

Lasting Impact on Baseball

Hicks’ career really shows what a lot of talented players went through—dominating the minors but not quite breaking through in the majors. He won the 1968 Pacific Coast League MVP, which highlighted just how good he was at the Triple-A level.

He put up some wild numbers in the minors, especially that .366 batting average and .649 slugging percentage during his MVP season. Those stats would impress anyone, no matter the league.

From 1970 to 1972, the Hawaii Islanders got a lot out of Hicks. He hit over .300 every season, and his performance helped boost the Pacific Coast League’s reputation for developing strong players.

By heading to Japan, Hicks opened doors for other American players to try baseball overseas. His experience definitely played a part in building the relationship between American and Japanese pro baseball during the 1970s.

Legacy and Recognition

Jim Hicks left behind a legacy built on his standout years in the Pacific Coast League and his drive to play professional baseball in different leagues and countries. That 1968 PCL MVP award stands out as his biggest achievement, and when he passed in 2020, a lot of folks looked back on what he brought to baseball in the ’60s and ’70s.

Career Retrospective and Influence

Jim Hicks made his biggest mark with his dominant performance in the Pacific Coast League in the late 1960s. That 1968 MVP season, where he hit .366 and slugged .649, really showed why teams wanted him.

He consistently produced in the minors, which set him apart from a lot of other players. From 1970 to 1972, Hicks played for the Hawaii Islanders and hit over .300 each year while slugging over .500.

He faced the same struggles as many players who got stuck between the minors and majors. Even with all his Triple-A success, Hicks only played 93 games in five major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and California Angels.

When Hicks went to Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league from 1973 to 1974, it showed just how much he loved the game. Not many Americans took that leap back then.

Honors and Commemorations

The 1968 Pacific Coast League MVP award stands as Hicks’ top professional honor. He led the league in several offensive categories that year while playing for a Cardinals farm team.

He also made the Pacific Coast League All-Star team as an outfielder, which just confirmed his spot among the best at Triple-A. Those honors really show how steady and productive he was in the minors.

Hicks got recognized for his 1967 PCL season too, when he led the league in runs scored. That came right before his MVP year and proved he could deliver season after season.

His baseball cards, like the 1970 Topps card, still pop up for collectors. They keep his story alive in baseball history for fans who care about the game’s past.

Remembering Jim Hicks

Jim Hicks died on October 29, 2020, at age 81 in Missouri City, Texas. His passing closed the chapter on a life that revolved around professional baseball for decades, and honestly, across more places than most of us will ever visit.

His family buried him at Houston Memorial Gardens in Pearland, Texas. That spot feels fitting, considering how much the region meant to him in his later years.

People in baseball circles remember Hicks as someone who squeezed every bit of talent from what he had, even though he didn’t get tons of major league chances. He spent 16 years playing pro ball in different leagues, and you could really see his persistence and deep love for the game.

Former teammates and baseball historians often talk about what he brought to the sport during the 1960s and 1970s. His journey kind of stands for all those players who shined in the minors while chasing the big league dream.