Q&A with Oklahoma State Commit Troy Hickey

October 15, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2017 LHP Troy Hickey of Wilmot Union recently committed to Oklahoma State. Hickey is currently ranked No. 6 in the Wisconsin Class of 2017 and No. 219 in the PBR Overall Ranks. He had a standout performance at the PBR Future Games for Team Wisconsin. Hickey induced a lot of awkward swings on his fastball that sat 83-85 topping out at 86 mph. After the Future Games he drew a lot of interest from schools around the country before settling on Oklahoma State, here is a report on him from the Future Games.

Troy Hickey 7/31/15 - Hickey is 6-foot, 180-pound left-handed pitcher with an average frame and build that has slight projection. His delivery is clean and repeatable while working slightly across his body, creating tough angles when going glove side. Hickey’s arm action makes him deceptive, its a short quick over the top slot that hides ball well. Opponents’ at bats is what separated Hickey from the rest. His fastball was sneaky quick at 83-85 mph, getting on hitters quicker than the velocity suggests. He got more late swings and swing and misses with his fastball in game play than most of the 90 mph arms in attendance. His curveball has downward action on a 1/7 plane, occasionally getting 12/6 action. It showed good depth and feel at 71-72 mph, a good compliment to his fastball. Hickey showed swing and miss stuff in his two innings of work striking out four hitters and allowing just one hit.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Hickey: I was expecting the process to take a while but it moved quickly. Once I found the right fit the decision was easy.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Hickey: I was looking for the right program that could help develop me as a pitcher. The Oklahoma State coaching staff has a long history of producing outstanding pitchers.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Hickey: Location did not play a factor in my decision. Finding the right school, baseball program and place I felt most comfortable was my goal.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Hickey: The recruiting process really started moving fast after the PBR Future Games. The number of schools showing interest in me really started to increase.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Hickey: Oklahoma State first saw me pitch at the Future Games. We had weekly conversations after the Future Games.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Hickey: I really liked how the whole baseball program made me feel at home and very comfortable. The key factors in my decision was the great school, campus and baseball program.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Hickey: Other schools that I was interested in were: Virginia, Arkansas, Cincinnati. College of Charleston, Wichita State, and Western Illinois.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Hickey: The best player I’ve faced in my state is Ben Rortvedt. He is such a hard out and is a really big competitor.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Hickey: Once I made the Hitters Baseball Academy team I knew playing at a high level was what I wanted to do. I cannot thank RJ Fergus and the whole Rawlings Hitters baseball staff enough for instruction and pushing me to be the best player I can be.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Hickey: The advice I would give would be always work hard and never give up on your dreams. Hard work and dedication pays off.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Hickey: The most memorable moment in my baseball career to this point would be being named Rawlings Hitters Baseball pitcher of the year this past summer.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Hickey: Wilmot should have a solid team this year. Our teams’ expectations will be to win sectionals and return to state.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Hickey: I played at Rawlings Hitters Baseball Academy this past summer. The most memorable experience with them is like a mentioned a little earlier was winning the Rawlings Hitter Baseball Pitcher of the year. It was a really big honor.

Q&A with Oklahoma State Commit Troy Hickey

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