Hawkeyes produce MLB prospect as Blake Hickman is taken in the seventh round
The Iowa Hawkeyes baseball program has produced an MLB caliber pitcher, as Blake Hickman was taken in the seventh round by the Chicago White Sox.
@BlakeHickman18 was selected with the 202nd pick in the 7th round by the @whitesox #Hawkeyes #Until #Hellerball pic.twitter.com/XwtJwpWfaR
— Iowa Baseball (@UIBaseball) June 9, 2015
Hickman played for three years with the Hawkeyes, where he actually started off playing first base and catcher. He then transitioned into a pitcher for his second and third years, where he ultimately saw success. He has seen an especially successful 2015 season, as he’s earned a 9-2 record, with a 2.99 ERA. It’s this impressive play that led to him being drafted by the White Sox in the MLB Draft.
The young right-hander explained that although he would love to return to play for the Hawkeyes next season, he understands that his best opportunity is to go pro:
"Blake Hickman said this past Iowa baseball season was “the most fun I’ve ever had.” The program’s first all-American since 1999 would love to return for one more run at a Big Ten Conference championship with his Hawkeye teammates.But given his age and high upside, Hickman understands that his best chance to get the most dollars for powerful right arm is to turn pro.“I know I’ve always got a home back in Iowa City for at least one more year if I don’t get … the amount of money that would get me out of going to school,” Hickman said. “Of course, I would come back to school and aim for new goals for next season with those guys, but as a junior we do have a lot of leverage.”"
This is great for Iowa’s baseball program, as he is the first All-American player on the team since 1999. Good luck in the MLB Blake, and congrats on a great career with the Hawkeyes.