Kevin Hickeynull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Kevin Hickey’s path to the major leagues honestly feels like something out of a baseball fairy tale. Growing up in Chicago, he didn’t follow the usual route to the big leagues—he actually got discovered at a tryout camp after playing softball. Hickey spent six seasons pitching in Major League Baseball, suiting up for the Chicago White Sox (1981-1983) and the Baltimore Orioles (1989-1991). He wrapped up his career in 1991 with a 3.91 ERA and 17 saves.

This left-handed reliever’s story is all about grit and sticking with it. After his first run with the White Sox, Hickey spent five years away from the majors before making a wild comeback with the Orioles at 33. That return really showed off his stubborn determination—baseball careers really can take some wild turns.

Even after he stopped playing, Hickey stayed close to the game, later working as a batting practice pitcher for the White Sox. Sadly, he died in 2012 at just 56, but his legacy as an unconventional success story still fires up baseball fans and players.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Career

Kevin Hickey’s baseball journey started in Chicago, where his athletic side showed up early. He took a pretty unusual route from local softball standout to big league pitcher—proof that there’s more than one way to reach the top.

Background and Hometown

Kevin John Hickey was born February 25, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the South Side, a place where baseball is almost a religion and loyalties split between the White Sox and Cubs. Hickey lived in a working-class neighborhood that turned out more than its share of great athletes.

Chicago’s city streets shaped him as a competitor. Back in the 1960s and ‘70s, neighborhood ball games happened everywhere, and those pickup games gave kids like Hickey a real chance to sharpen their skills, even if they weren’t in organized leagues.

That classic Chicago baseball culture got Hickey hooked on the game, though his path was anything but typical.

High School and Early Influences

Hickey went to Kelly High School in Chicago, where he played sports but never really caught the eyes of scouts. He wasn’t one of those high school phenoms people talk about.

Instead of heading to college baseball or minor leagues after high school, Hickey jumped into Chicago’s tough softball scene, which back then was packed with some of the country’s best amateur players.

Even though he had obvious talent, baseball scouts just weren’t watching him yet. Those years playing softball helped Hickey build up the strong left arm that ended up getting him noticed.

Pathway to Professional Baseball

Hickey’s break came with the Bobcats, a top Chicago softball team. He played center field, hit with real power, and helped the Bobcats win the 1976 World Series of softball.

A White Sox scout spotted his cannon arm at a softball exhibition. Hickey was already 23 and had never played pro baseball, but the White Sox invited him to a tryout in 1978.

He went to the tryout and, against all odds, impressed the team enough to get a minor league contract. Hickey spent a few years in the minors, switching from outfield to pitcher to make the most of that left arm.

By 1981, Hickey had pulled off the unlikely—he made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox at 25, coming all the way from the city’s softball diamonds.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Kevin Hickey’s climb to the majors stands out as one of baseball’s most inspiring stories. He didn’t follow the usual script, but his persistence landed him on a big league mound.

Signing with the Chicago White Sox

Hickey never played high school or college baseball. Instead, he showed up at a White Sox open tryout in 1978. Out of about 250 hopefuls, the White Sox signed only Hickey—a pretty wild twist.

At 22, he’d been playing 16-inch softball when he decided to give the tryout a shot. Scouts like Bob Kennedy and Don Leppert noticed his natural arm strength, even though he lacked formal training.

After signing, Hickey worked his way through the minors for three years. He put in the time to sharpen his pitching mechanics and learn the details of the game.

Rookie Season Highlights

Hickey made his MLB debut on April 14, 1981, for his hometown White Sox. He was 25—older than most rookies—but brought a certain maturity to the bullpen.

He posted a 3.25 ERA in 31 appearances that year, mostly out of the bullpen. Hickey’s funky delivery made him tough on lefties.

He got along well with other rookies, including Ron Kittle. The 1981 season was cut short by a strike, but Hickey managed to carve out a role for himself in Tony La Russa’s bullpen.

Development and Challenges

From 1981 to 1983, Hickey kept working on his pitching with help from coaches like Mel Held and Mike McCormick.

He excelled at getting lefties out, which made him valuable in certain relief spots. Still, he struggled at times with consistency and command.

Injuries tested him, too. Arm problems limited his 1983 season, but Hickey pushed through.

By the end of his first White Sox stint in 1983, he’d put up a 3-6 record, 9 saves, and a 3.45 ERA over 107 games. Not bad for a guy who started out on the city’s softball fields.

Baltimore Orioles Era

Kevin Hickey landed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1989 after spending years away from the majors. He pitched three seasons for the Orioles, from ’89 to ’91, and really settled in as a reliable lefty reliever with a story nobody could make up.

Notable Performances with the Orioles

Hickey’s top moment with Baltimore probably came in 1989, when he tossed 3.1 scoreless innings against the Yankees in a big divisional game. Manager Frank Robinson trusted him in tough spots, especially against left-handed hitters.

In 1990, Hickey notched a career-high five saves, showing he could handle late-inning pressure. His knack for getting big outs helped keep the Orioles in the mix that year.

He put together a memorable outing in July 1990, striking out four straight Cleveland batters in relief—his slider looked especially nasty that day.

Key Teammates and Relationships

Hickey bonded with catcher Chris Hoiles, who often talked up Hickey’s preparation and mindset. Their connection made a difference on the field.

Young pitcher Ben McDonald said Hickey helped him adjust to the big leagues. Hickey’s own unusual path made him a natural mentor.

Bullpen coach Tom McCraw worked closely with Hickey, tweaking his delivery and pitch selection and helping him stick around a little longer.

Johnny Oates, who later managed the Orioles, coached during Hickey’s time and became a big supporter in the clubhouse.

Impact at Memorial Stadium

Hickey loved pitching at Memorial Stadium, which favored pitchers. The deep outfield let him challenge hitters with his fastball.

Orioles fans liked Hickey’s blue-collar approach—he was easy to root for, especially since he came from a softball background and never played college ball.

During the last years at Memorial Stadium, before the move to Camden Yards, Hickey was a key part of a bullpen that kept the Orioles’ pitching tradition alive. His lefty specialist role grew even more important as the game changed.

He especially thrived in late afternoon games, using the stadium shadows to mess with hitters’ timing.

Pitching Style and Statistics

Hickey wasn’t a flamethrower, but his delivery fooled hitters. His pitches included:

• A sinking fastball (84-87 mph)
• A big, sweeping slider (his go-to against lefties)
• A changeup (mainly for righties)

With the Orioles, Hickey put up a 3.91 ERA over his MLB career. He didn’t have eye-popping stats, but as a lefty specialist, he was a valuable piece.

Some of his Baltimore numbers:

The Orioles let him go in July 1991, and that marked the end of his time in the majors.

Career Highlights and Key Moments

Kevin Hickey’s baseball life included some pretty unforgettable performances and matchups. Coming from the softball scene to the major leagues made every achievement feel just a little more special.

Pivotal Games and Achievements

Hickey’s MLB debut for the White Sox in 1981 was a huge milestone for a guy who never played high school or college ball. His unusual path made his success stand out.

He earned his first big league save on April 25, 1982, proving he could handle pressure. Over his career, he racked up 17 saves—solid work for a reliever.

In 1983, he helped the White Sox win the AL West, posting a 3.00 ERA in 39 games. That year really cemented his value as a bullpen arm.

Notable Opponents

Hickey faced some big names, including Bobby Bonilla, who was a tough out as a switch-hitter in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

While pitching for the Orioles, Hickey regularly squared off against AL East rivals like the Yankees and Red Sox. As a lefty specialist, he often got the call to face the league’s best left-handed hitters.

He also matched up with Kent Mercker, who later threw a no-hitter for the Braves. Those pitcher duels added another layer of strategy to his career.

Awards and Recognition

Hickey never picked up major awards like MVP, but his journey from softball to the majors earned him a lot of respect. His story became a favorite among baseball fans who love an underdog.

The White Sox always appreciated Hickey’s contributions and brought him back as a batting practice pitcher and instructor after he retired. That says a lot about how much they valued him.

Honestly, Hickey’s biggest accomplishment was sticking around for six MLB seasons despite such an unlikely start. His 3.91 career ERA over 231 games shows he belonged at the highest level.

Teams and Transactions

Kevin Hickey’s pro career took him to a few organizations, but his big league days were mostly split between the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles. The moves and signings along the way shaped his six-year MLB story.

Chicago White Sox Tenure

Kevin Hickey kicked off his major league career with the Chicago White Sox, spending most of his playing days there. As a left-handed reliever, Hickey made his debut in 1981 after taking a pretty unusual route to the majors—Chicago signed him after he showed up at a tryout camp and impressed the scouts.

From 1981 to 1983, Hickey pitched for the White Sox and quickly built a reputation as a reliable bullpen arm. He worked alongside pitchers like LaMarr Hoyt and Richard Dotson, both of whom White Sox fans still remember.

Over his time with the team, Hickey appeared in 103 games, almost always coming out of the bullpen. His knack for getting lefties out made him a valuable weapon during Chicago’s competitive early-80s runs.

Trade to Baltimore Orioles

After leaving the White Sox, Hickey stepped away from the majors for a bit, but he made a comeback with the Baltimore Orioles in 1989. Baltimore picked him up after several years out of MLB, which honestly was a pretty remarkable return.

Hickey stayed with the Orioles until July 11, 1991, when the team released him. While in Baltimore, he worked out of the bullpen, helping out a rotation that featured guys like Bob Milacki and Dave Johnson.

During his Orioles stint, Hickey found himself pitching alongside Cal Ripken Jr. and other well-known Orioles from that era. He gave the club a steady bullpen presence, which came in handy during those rebuilding years.

Other MLB Connections

Even after Baltimore let him go, Hickey didn’t walk away from baseball right away. On August 30, 1991, the San Francisco Giants signed him, making them his last MLB organization before he retired.

Hickey never suited up for teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, or Tigers, but he certainly faced them plenty during his career. He matched up against the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and California Angels as part of the usual American League schedule.

The 1991 season saw a flurry of trades and signings—the Pirates, for example, made some notable deals with the Rangers. Hickey’s signing with the Giants happened right in the middle of all that, though he didn’t pitch in another big league game after that year.

Retirement and Legacy

Kevin Hickey called it a career in 1991, but he didn’t really leave baseball behind. He stayed involved through coaching and mentoring, especially with the White Sox. His impact stuck around, especially with the younger players he helped along the way.

Decision to Retire in 1991

At 35, Kevin Hickey’s playing days ended when the Orioles let him go in July 1991. He’d put in 13 seasons in professional baseball, including six in the majors, but his left arm just didn’t have the same stuff it once did.

Honestly, nobody was surprised. Hickey spent his career as a journeyman reliever, mostly with the White Sox (1981-1983) and Orioles (1989-1991). He wrapped up with a 3.91 ERA and 138 strikeouts over 231.2 innings.

When the time came, Hickey just knew it was right. His body had taken a beating, and with big league chances drying up, he figured it was time to move on to whatever came next.

Post-Retirement Activities

After hanging up his spikes, Hickey kept close ties to baseball, especially with the White Sox. He found a niche as a batting practice pitcher for the Sox, which let him stay around the game and clubhouse.

He also coached and instructed, connecting with players thanks to his direct approach and real-world experience. Being a Chicago guy, he fit right in with the South Side crew.

Hickey didn’t just toss BP—he worked with hitters, too, even though he’d been a pitcher himself. That always struck people, showing he really understood the game from all angles. Players liked his no-nonsense advice and the way he kept things practical.

He stayed with the White Sox until he passed away in May 2012 at 56, serving the organization for years after his playing days ended.

Influence on Future Generations

Hickey’s biggest impact probably came from his work with younger players. As a BP pitcher and instructor, he helped shape plenty of White Sox hitters through the ’90s and 2000s.

His story—going from a softball player with no high school baseball to the big leagues—was wild and gave hope to guys chasing long-shot dreams. Not many can say they pulled that off.

Young lefties especially benefited from his advice. Hickey got the mental side of pitching and didn’t hold back on sharing what he’d learned.

The White Sox clearly valued what he brought, keeping him in the family for years. When he died in 2012, players and coaches made it clear just how much he’d meant to them—not just as a coach, but as a friend who’d really made a difference.

Relationships with Coaches and Mentors

Kevin Hickey’s baseball journey got shaped by a handful of managers, pitching coaches, and teammates who left their mark on him during his six years in the majors.

Influential Managers

Jim Leyland played a big part early on when Hickey first switched from softball to pro ball. Leyland saw something special in the Chicago native’s background and that strong left arm.

Tommy Lasorda sometimes offered advice during spring training games. They weren’t super close, but Lasorda’s upbeat style seemed to resonate with Hickey.

Mike Hargrove became important during Hickey’s last MLB season in 1991 with Baltimore. Hickey was at the tail end of his career, and Hargrove tried to get whatever he could from his lefty specialist before the Orioles let him go in July.

Pitching Coaches

Ray Miller, known as one of the best pitching coaches around, helped Hickey fine-tune his delivery in Baltimore. Miller really focused on helping him with control, which had always been a bit of a struggle.

Johnny Sain’s pitching philosophy filtered down to Hickey through the White Sox system. They didn’t work together directly much, but Sain’s focus on movement over pure speed fit Hickey’s style.

Hickey always spoke highly of White Sox pitching coach Moe Drabowsky, who helped him transition back to the organization and later welcomed him as a pregame instructor after his playing days.

Teammate Connections

Jim Palmer, believe it or not, turned into a mentor for Hickey back in their Baltimore days. Even though Palmer was already in the Hall of Fame, he still made time to help Hickey figure out how to handle left-handed batters better.

Elliott Maddox shared a hitter’s perspective with Hickey. They’d talk about pitch sequencing and what goes on in a batter’s head, which helped Hickey come up with smarter ways to face tough lefties.

Eric King, another reliever, became one of Hickey’s closest friends in the bullpen. King threw hard, while Hickey relied more on finesse, so they bounced ideas off each other about how to get hitters out.

The South Side native kept these friendships alive well after his playing days, especially with his White Sox crew. He stayed a familiar face around the team right up until he passed away in 2012.