Kevin Hickey dies

[Texsox]

he was a grinder before we knew about grinders.

[southsider2k5]

http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago...mp;feedID=10338

 

White Sox dedicate "Kevin Hickey Batting Cages" before game

September 3, 2012, 6:05 pm

White Sox remember Kevin Hickey

 

 

 

MARK STROTMAN

 

Prior to tonight's game against the Twins, the White Sox announced they will rename the batting cages the "Kevin Hickey Batting Cages," honoring the former pitcher who passed away in May at the age of 56.

 

Hickey pitched with the White Sox from 1981 to 1983, and rejoined the organization in 2004 as a batting practice pitcher and instructor.

 

The White Sox honored and remembered Hickey with a pregame ceremony that included a 16-inch softball hitting exhibition, a tribute video and gift presentation, including a plaque dedicated to Hickey's contributions to the organization.

 

"Ask anyone in our clubhouse, every person here appreciated what Kevin did to help the White Sox win baseball games," Paul Konerko said in the team's press release. "No one wanted to win more, no one was more optimistic, no one cared more and no one took more pride in his job. He made all of us better."

 

Some of the White Sox honored Hickey by shaving mustaches for tonight's game, and the team hung Hickey's No. 99 jersey in their third base dugout.

 

Hickey didn't take the traditional route to the majors. Growing up in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, he did not play high school baseball at St. Rita or St. Kelly High School. Instead, Hickey helped lead his softball team to the 1976 World 16-inch Championship. And after a short stay with a semipro club, the Markham Cardinals, Hickey was invited to a summer tryout with the White Sox.

 

After three seasons in their minor league system, Hickey debuted with the White Sox on Apr. 14, 1981. He was 9-14 with a 3.41 ERA and 118 strikeouts in six seasons, including three with the Baltimore Orioles.