PREP BASEBALL: Princeton's Hickman signs with Averett U

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on January 9, 2017 9:57 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

DANVILLE, Va. -- Who, in any sport, gets to sit down and "talk shop" with a head coach who has competed -- and excelled -- on both the collegiate and professional baseball scene?

And played the same position as you?

Alex Hickman did.

The Princeton senior headed across the state line toward Danville, Va., and toured a tiny -- but picturesque -- university that emulated the same small-town atmosphere of where he currently resides.

That undoubtedly appealed to the out-spoken catcher.

But Averett University head coach Ed Burton unlocked his passion.

The two talked endlessly about the greatest game on dirt and before Hickman walked out of the office that afternoon, he already knew that AU would become his new home next fall.

Surrounded by his family, Hickman officially signed with the Cougars of the Division III USA South Conference last week.

"When I went to their camp, I felt at home and I did really well," Hickman said. "I was comfortable in the environment. I got along with their team pretty well. Their coach was a former catcher. He caught in the big leagues and in college at Florida State. I know that he'll be able to help me get better...be the best catcher that I can."

Burton's pedigree?

It reads like a "who's who."

An All-America at Florida State and USA National Team member, Burton helped the Seminoles reach college baseball's mecca -- Omaha -- in 1986 and 1987. He was drafted in the 16th round by the St. Louis Cardinals and spent time in the Detroit and Boston organizations.

Hickman's pedigree?

Not too shabby, either.

The senior helped lead perennial postseason contender Princeton to 20 wins and a third-round appearance in the state 1-A playoffs last spring. He compiled 165 putouts and 15 assists behind the dish, and threw out 41 percent of opposing runners who attempted to steal either second or third base.

He has a .988 career fielding percentage in 34 varsity games.

And he's soaked up knowledge about his position from a former Major League draftee -- new PHS head coach Justin Willoughby who played in the Atlanta Braves organization.

"I've worked with him for a long time," said Hickman, who overcame two right-arm surgeries during his freshman season.

"He's always worked with me on little things...how I call pitches, framing the ball, how I set up. If I ever get lazy behind the plate, he gets on me. He wants to be 'in' (focused) every pitch."

Averett compiled a 19-22 record last season, that included a 7-12 ledger against USA South opposition. The Cougars haven't won a league championship since 2003 when they finished 1-2 in the South Regional.

Burton's teams have won 20 or more games in five of the past seven seasons. He's produced 36 USA South All-Academic players and 28 first-team all-conference selections.

"When I go there, I'm going to have to work on getting my pop time faster, get my arm stronger so I can throw the ball harder and work on blocking balls and stuff," Hickman said.

"I'll be catching people throwing a little harder."

And learning from the best in the business.