Hicks thrilled to contribute in MLB return

SEATTLE -- John Hicks said he was excited and relieved when he blasted a 408-foot home run in the Rangers’ 8-3 win over the A’s on Thursday night. It was his first Major League home run -- part of his 2-for-4 night at the plate -- since Sept. 28, 2019, when he was with the Tigers.

The catcher was called up from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday after starting catcher Jose Trevino landed on the 10-day injured list with a right forearm contusion. Hicks was slashing .275/.352/.440 with the Express.

Hicks said he was heading to Oakland anyway to be part of the Rangers’ taxi squad on the road trip, but he was still overwhelmed to be activated when he was.

“It was a whirlwind of emotions,” Hicks said. “I’m just super excited to be a part of this team and be here. It’s obviously a great feeling to contribute to a win in my first game.”

Hicks, like many Major and Minor Leaguers, was heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic and how it halted the 2020 season. He signed a Minor League deal with Arizona prior to the start of last season and felt like he had a good shot at making the big league squad out of camp.

Then the shutdown happened and Summer Camp didn’t go as well as he expected, so Hicks spent 2020 at the D-backs' alternate training site.

“That was fun,” Hicks said. “We were playing with a lot of young guys and I feel like that really rubbed off on me, trying to play more of a mentor role. Being close to 30 years old, I was playing with a bunch of guys that are 20 and 21 and trying to help those guys come along.

“Being back in Triple-A with a lot of younger prospects this year, I think last year really helped me learn how to take over that mentor role. So yeah, last year was a very weird year, but I think it had its ups and downs for everyone. It's not really a pity party for anyone, everybody kind of had their struggles.”

Rangers manager Chris Woodward said it was a no-brainer to call up Hicks when the situation called for it, based on his stats, hard work and leadership capabilities.

Woodward emphasized that Hicks brings a lot to the table and provides value as a leader, behind the plate and in the dugout.

“He just brings a great energy, man, like everywhere he goes,” Woodward said. “I had him as a younger player and he was the same. He's just a pro. He handles himself the right way, works hard, plays really hard and he's super talented. We love the human being and obviously, he's a talented player. We're lucky that with Jose going down, we get to bring up a quality player and individual like John.”

Woodward and Hicks also have a connection prior with the Rangers. Woodward served in various roles with the Mariners, from Minor League infield coordinator to the big league first-base coach, from 2012-15. Hicks was selected by the Mariners in the fourth round of the 2011 MLB Draft.

Hicks said it definitely helped having a relationship with Woodward when he was looking to sign a Minor League deal in the offseason.

Hicks also returned to the big leagues just in time to head to Seattle as the Rangers gear up for a four-game series with the Mariners during the Fourth of July weekend.

“I believe Detroit comes to town when we get back [to Texas],” Hicks said. “That's the two teams that I played for in the big leagues with. But whether we're here, in Oakland, anywhere, it doesn't matter. I'm excited to be in the big leagues and be on this team.”