JP HICKS-EUFAULA
Senior J.P. Hicks is well into his third and final year as a starter on the Eufaula Ironhead baseball team and he’s one of those guys that every team needs: a good strong player who is versatile and can help you at several positions.
“J.P. plays outfield for us but can also play third base and pitch,” said his coach, Josh Luna.
“Right now, he’s hitting around .300 with a couple of home runs. He’s the kind of guy who does anything you ask of him, never complains and just loves to play the game. He’s one of the vocal leaders on our team.”
Although he has played some football along the way, playing baseball just seemed to be destined for Hicks who moved to Eufaula from the Oklahoma City area his sophomore year.
“My family all played baseball or softball, and I grew up watching my older brother and sister play,” said Hicks who is on the yearbook staff and in student council.
Though he can play several positions, J.P. says being in the infield is where he’d prefer to be.
“I’d rather play third base or pitch. I’ve never really been an outfield kind of guy,” said Hicks who admits to having a pretty wicked change up when he’s on the hill. For his role as a senior leader on the team, J.P. looks to a former multi-sport standout for the Ironheads as a role model in Luke Adcock.
“He was always a guy I could look up to. As a leader this year I can be pretty vocal, and I can get on someone if I know they can do better and I want to make sure they know it too.”
As far as a highlight on the diamond for Hicks, he remembers back a couple of years ago.
“My sophomore year we were playing Hugo early in the playoffs and I got a walk off single that moved us further in the playoffs.”
J.P. hurt his shoulder last year and he’s still feeling some of the effects this year but he’s playing well. He says he plans on joining the Air Force following his graduation.
“When I leave Eufaula, I’d like to be remembered as someone that helped everyone out,” said Hicks.
