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Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame inducts Beverley [Bev] Hickie

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame i s proud to announce the selection of Beverley [Bev] Hickie, Estevan, Saskatchewan , to be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Individual Category, as a player, Saturday, August 20, 2016, at B
Sask Baseball Hall of Fame

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Famei s proud to announce the selection of Beverley [Bev] Hickie, Estevan, Saskatchewan, to be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball  Hall of Fame, Individual Category, as a player, Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Bev was born in August of 1944, and grew up on a farm near Killaly, Saskatchewan. He was one of four brothers and two sisters in a family that was interested in athletics, mostly baseball and hockey. As Bev was easy to coach and an agreeable participant, his brothers and sisters had no problem in getting him to be the catcher for the family ball team in summer, and goalie for hockey in the winter. As a teenager, Bev played with the Killaly Athletics, in what was then called the Gary League. On weekends the Athletics competed in tournaments around Central and Southern Saskatchewan. Brian F. Hicke, a cousin to Bev, was a teammate from about 1960-1969. [The spelling of Brian’s last name is different. This was done so their cream cans wouldn’t get mixed up at the creamery.] Both Bev and Brian were invited in about 1962 to play with the Melville Millionaires of the South Saskatchewan Baseball League [SSBL] Both played with the millionaires until 1969 or 1970. During those years, Bev was the best player on both teams. He had major league speed, able to reach first base with an infield hit. He patrolled centre-field with suffocating coverage and a powerful arm. His base stealing numbers were off the chart. He had exceptional power and strength hitting the ball so far over the centre-fielder’s head in a Saltcoats Senior Baseball Sports Day that by the time the centre fielder retrieved the ball, Bev was already crossing home plate for a home run. There were no home run fences in Saltcoats at that time. As well as being a great centre-fielder, Bev could also play third base and shortstop. He spent several years as a great catcher when he was moved to that position when there were speedy players who could only play the outfield. With his cannon like arm, Bev was able to throw out many failed base stealers at second. As a hitter, Bev won the batting title in 1966. In 1967, Hickie’s batting average of .417 was the third best in the Southern Saskatchewan League. In 1970, Bev was selected to the Southern League first All Star team. Every year he was consistently near the top in stolen bases and batting average.

Bev moved to Estevan in 1970, and continued his teaching career and continued getting kids involved in the sport, coaching  and teaching them the game of baseball and how to enjoy it. He also played a key role in the formation of the Twilighter Baseball League in Estevan.

Bev Hickie is a strong believer in the betterment of society, and continues to be involved in the community of Estevan, Saskatchewan.