Liam Hicks shines in Double-A debut with RoughRiders
Hicks' first hit for Frisco was a two-run homer in the fifth inning.
Liam Hicks had just made it off a bus in Kentucky where the High-A Hickory Crawdads were set to face the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Tampa Bay) when the call came in.
A series of roster moves resulted in the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders having a spot open for a catcher.
Less than two days later, Hicks would not only be making his first start at the next level, but he would be part of a slugfest between the Riders and the visiting Wichita Wind Surge.
“It was kind of shocking, but I was really excited,” the Toronto native said after Frisco’s 16-8 loss to Wichita, Wednesday. “I know a ton of these guys from spring training and it's a really good group. So, I was just really excited.”
The move trickled down from the Texas Rangers as OF Travis Jankowski was placed on the 10-day IL due to a right hamstring strain and catcher Sam Huff was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock.
Catcher Jordan Procyshen was transferred to Round Rock after just three appearances with Frisco to take Huff’s stead, opening up a place for Hicks with catcher David Garcia still working his way back from injury.
Hicks has risen through the Rangers’ system fairly quickly — and with good reason. The 23-year-old is coming off a stellar sophomore year as a pro where he hit .327 across three levels.
MLB.com named the 2021 ninth-round pick a Rangers organization all-star for 2022. He would lead all Texas prospects with at least 150 plate appearances in on-base percentage (.462) and OPS (.922). It’s been more of the same to start 2023, with Hicks hitting .313 with a .459 OBP and an OPS of .917.
The wait was short to see Hicks in action, with the former Arkansas State standout hitting seventh in the lineup for game two of Frisco’s first series against Wichita.
Hicks’ first at-bat saw him get down, quickly, to Chad Donato 0-2. But he remained patient and worked his way to a walk.
“I'm trying to remember it’s the same pitchers, same stuff, keep my approach and don’t try and do too much,” Hicks told JR Sports TX. “It felt like a good at-bat. It definitely helped boost my confidence. Sometimes a walk will help you kind of lock in.”
As the Wind Surge began pulling away with a 10-2 lead in the fifth, Hicks connected on his first hit — a pretty big one for his debut at Double-A ball.
Just three spots after infielder Thomas Saggese blasted his first home run of the season, Hicks took Jose Bravo deep to left field for a two-run shot of his own.
“It was definitely exciting just because it helped bring the team a little closer,” said Hicks.
Although the length of Hicks’ stay in Frisco isn’t certain, he took the opportunity to get noticed in his first appearance. Hicks finished the game going 1-for-3 with three RBIs and a walk to go with his first Double-A dinger.
For as long as he plays on Riders Field, Hicks said he wants to show his ability to put together “professional at-bats” while “staying within myself and having confidence.”
Although his hitting has been the subject of plenty of excitement within the Rangers organization, Hicks prides himself on his work with pitchers and being a reliable backstop.
“Definitely a really hard worker behind the plate,” Hicks said. “Just doing whatever I can to help the pitchers. That's kind of my main focus.”
Frisco continues its series with the Wind Surge at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday with Texas shortstop Corey Seager expected to start a rehab stint with the Riders.
After making it to the next level, Hicks will now have the chance to share the field with a former World Series MVP. Things are getting bigger for Hicks, however he’ll just keep taking it in stride and play the game he loves.
“Seeing the fans, seeing how big the stadium is, it definitely is a little bit of an upgrade from High-A,” Hicks said. “But I’m trying to just keep that in and focus and make sure I remember it's the same game. I've been playing this my whole life.”