Former Spartan, Hilltopper journeys through professional baseball ranks
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Ten years ago, Michael Darrell-Hicks was a senior at South Warren High School with college plans in front of him at WKU.
Now the right hander is journeying through the minor and major leagues, living out his dream of playing professional baseball.
“ It’s crazy to even think about, you know, how far I’ve come and all the things that I’ve experienced through this journey, and just how thankful I am to be able to say that I pitched in a major league game,” Darrell-Hicks said.
Darrell-Hicks began his career with the Spartans, excelling on the mound for head coach Chris Gage.
After winning the 4th Region twice and showing off his skills, he earned a scholarship to Western, where he would spend five seasons on the Hill before transferring to Jacksonville University.
He attributes his time as a Dolphin for a lot of his growth.
He’d later sign as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Angels, work his way through the minor leagues, and make his debut in the big leagues on April 11, 2025.
“When I first joined with the Angels, I was like, ‘I just want one day in the big leagues to say that I’ve made it to the big leagues.’ Now, you know, perspective changes,” Darrell-Hicks said.
“Now that I’ve tasted it, I want to be there all the time, but that’s the hardest thing to do in the game of baseball, to be an everyday big leaguer.”
Today, Darrell-Hicks is working to make a return to the majors and find a permanent relief role.
He was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates last June and now pitches for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.
His career has seen a lot of adversity, from Tommy John surgery to playing during the COVID-19 pandemic to the ebbs and flows of the minor leagues, but if he’s learned one thing that can serve as an inspiration to the younger generation, it’s to keep a level head through the highs and lows.
“ I’d say just believe in yourself. Number one, believe in yourself because if you don’t believe in yourself, why would anyone else? Just work as hard as you can, and don’t get too down and don’t get too high because baseball is a game of failure,” Darrell-Hicks said. “It’s a fun game, but also, you have to have a short memory and just keep grinding away. That’s the biggest piece of advice I would give.”
