For the first time in the organization's 120-year history, Minor League Baseball has canceled its season. It's a move that wasn't entirely shocking but it still was a hard pill to swallow, especially for the players. WZDX sports anchor Charity Chambers caught up with Huntsville native and current Minor Leaguer Brewer Hicklen about this decision.
"It was disappointing," said Hicklen. "Definitely something that I kind of saw coming with how delayed the MLB was with getting a proposal out there and getting it accepted. But it was disappointing because you work so hard all off-season, you get to spring training and you feel like you're ready to go -- you're ready to play and then here you are getting a call saying you're not gonna be able to play this season."
Brewer Hicklen, a leftfielder in the Kansas City Royals organization, was coming off of one of his best years yet.
In the 2019 season, Hicklen stole the most bases in his professional career with 39, had an on base percentage 363 along with 34 extra base hits.
This season was one he was really looking forward to.
"I had high hopes and aspirations. Going into spring training I felt I was at the best point of my career that I've ever been in. And the coaches saw that, they recognized that and they were excited because they wanted me to be ready to contribute right off the bat."
It's been a roller coaster of emotions these past few months for Hicklen who has played baseball since he was four years old. But he said there is one thing that's gotten him through this.
"My faith has played a huge role in this. And just believing that the best days are ahead and just be where your feet are. It's important for us to try to make a positive impact on people's lives."
Hicklen said as of now he's just working out, staying in shape that way he'll be ready whenever his number is called.