Jim Hickey

Note: This page is for 1940s major league pitcher Jim Hickey; for the pitching coach of the same name, click here.

James Robert Hickey
(Sid)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 204 lb.

• Debut April 25, 1942
• Final Game July 31, 1944
• Born October 22, 1920 in North Abington, MA USA
• Died September 20, 1997 in Manchester, CT USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Righthander Jim Hickey was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Tigers before the 1939 season and pitched the season for the Hot Springs Bathers of the class C Cotton States League. The 18-year-old went 9-10 with a 4.29 ERA his first year in professional baseball and for reasons unknown was granted free agency on January 14, 1940. Almost three weeks later, on February 2d, he signed with the National League Boston Bees.

Hickey spent two seasons with the Hartford Bees of the Class A Eastern League, going 3-0 in 1940 and 6-8 in 1941. He showed well in Spring Training in 1942 and was on the opening season roster with the Boston Braves, who had changed their name from the "Bees", back to their old Braves name in 1941. Hickey made his big league debut with the team on April 25th. Jim lost his only decision and spent the rest of the 1942 season with the Hartford club again, winning 10 and losing 10 with a 2.25 ERA while pitching 168 innings.

Shortly after the 1942 season Hickey was inducted into military service and spent the 1943 and part of the 1944 season with the United States Navy during World War II. Jim returned in time to play briefly for Boston. He also appeared in 12 games with the Hartford club where he had a 4-2 record and a 2.34 ERA. This was Jim's final season in professional baseball and he finished out his five minor league seasons with a 32-30 record and a 3.59 ERA. His two trips to the big leagues left him with a 0-1 record in 9 appearances.

After baseball Hickey worked over 30 years for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. Jim also owned Hickey Paving Company there. James Robert Hickey passed away on September 20, 1997 in Manchester, CT at 76 years of age.