Kevin Hickey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kevin Hickey |
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Hickey in 2003 with the Chicago White Sox
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: February 25, 1956 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Died: May 16, 2012 (aged 56) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 14, 1981, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 6, 1991, for the Baltimore Orioles | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 9–14 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.91 | ||
| Strikeouts | 118 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Kevin John Hickey (February 25, 1956 – May 16, 2012) was an American left-handed pitcher. He played six seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Kevin played for the Chicago White Sox (1981–1983) and Baltimore Orioles (1989–1991). He was a reliever for the White Sox team that won their division in 1983. Later, he became a batting practice pitcher for the White Sox. This team won the World Series in 2005.
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Early Life
Kevin Hickey was born on February 25, 1956. His hometown was Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Brighton Park neighborhood. Kevin went to St. Rita of Cascia High School. He had a scholarship for basketball there. However, he left school early due to attendance issues. He then finished his high school education at Thomas Kelly High School.
Joining Professional Baseball
In August 1978, Kevin tried out for the White Sox. This tryout was open to many players. It took place at McKinley Park in Chicago. A White Sox staff member saw him playing 16-inch softball. Kevin was playing for a team called the Bobcats. Out of 250 players, Kevin was the only one chosen. He signed a minor league contract. He earned $500 a month to start his career.
Baseball Career Highlights
Kevin Hickey played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was known for being a left-handed pitcher. He played for the Chicago White Sox from 1981 to 1983. Later, he joined the Baltimore Orioles from 1989 to 1991. He was a relief pitcher for the White Sox in 1983. That year, the White Sox won their division.
Life After Playing
After his time as a player, Kevin worked as a car salesman. He did this job for almost ten years. He lived in Columbus, Ohio during this time. In 2003, he moved back to Chicago. The White Sox hired him again. He became their batting practice pitcher. He kept this job for the rest of his life.
His Passing
On April 5, 2012, Kevin was found unwell in his hotel room. This happened in Arlington, Texas. The White Sox were there to start their 2012 season. They were playing against the Texas Rangers. Kevin Hickey passed away on May 16, 2012. He was 56 years old. He died at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. His passing was due to a serious medical issue. Kevin is remembered by his five daughters and ten grandchildren.
Sources
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
- Source: Ex-Sox pitcher Hickey in coma - Chicago White Sox Blog - ESPN
