RIP - Jim Hicks

 

Jim Hicks, an outfielder for the White Sox, Cardinals, and Angels in the 1960s, passed away on October 29, 2020 at age 81.

Hicks played minor-league baseball every season from 1959 to 1972, except in 1969 when he managed to stay in the majors all season with the Cardinals and Angels (following his trade for Vic Davalillo). 

 

He played a total of 33 games for the White Sox from 1964-66, and 56 games in 1969, split between St. Louis and California His final big-leage action was 4 games for the Angels in April 1970, all as a pinch-hitter. 

 

Hicks also played in Japan from 1973-74. 

  

Obituary 

 

Topps! Pay Attention!

Normally, a player "graduates" from a Rookie Stars card to his own card the next year (or in the case of Lou Piniella, 6 years down the road!)

But Topps was in reverse gear for these 3 players. After already appearing on their own card, they later found themselves on the baseball card equivalent of "the childrens' table".

1965:

1966:

1965:

1966:

1967:

1969:

There can be only one explanation!
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