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Jim Hickman
1937 - 2016
Jim Hickman
1937 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1937
DIED
2016
Jim Hickman Obituary
Hickman’s death, in a hospital in Tennessee, was announced by the Garner Funeral Home in Ripley, Tennessee. The funeral home did not disclose the cause of death, only noting that he’d had a lengthy illness.
Fans of the 1970 Chicago Cubs most likely remember Hickman, who enjoyed his best season while playing for the team, as a clutch hitter. He also had a knack for hitting several walk-off home runs for the Cubs. During the season, he batted .315 and had 162 hits, 33 doubles, 32 home runs, 115 RBIs, 102 runs scored, and 93 walks. Those seven statistics marked career highs for Hickman. He ended up winning the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year Award that year.
Also in 1970, Hickman played in the All-Star game for the first and only time in his 12-year career. He had a memorable at-bat in the 12th inning with his RBI single. Cincinnati Reds hitter Pete Rose famously collided with Cleveland Indians catcher Ray Fosse to score the winning run.
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Hickman, who was born May 10, 1937, in Henning, Tennessee, played for the Cubs from 1968 to 1973. He had previously played for the New York Mets, which selected him in the expansion draft. Mets fans of that era may remember Hickman for being the first Met to hit for the cycle, in 1963, one year after his Major League Baseball debut. He played with the Mets from 1962 to 1966. He also played one year for the Los Angeles Dodgers, in 1967, and ended his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals at the end of the 1974 season.
Cubs legend Billy Williams, a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, had high praise for 6-foot-4 Hickman. “Hick’ was a good player,” Williams told George Castle, the historian of the Chicago Baseball Museum, in a 2014 interview. “When he came over here, he had some tremendous years. He had about a ‘7’ or ‘8’ arm. He ran real good for a big guy. He was one of those unique guys, a right-handed hitter, a good fastball, low-ball hitter. … He didn’t hardly miss the fastball.”
44 Entries
Neal Kahalnik
February 19, 2025
I was just a kid who was a huge Cub fan in the late 60s/early 70s- it was such a thrill to watch Jim play- he was such great clutch hitter on those Cub teams- such great memories- I'm so sorry He passed before the cubs finally won it all in Nov 2016- may his memory be a blessing to all his family
Sweety
September 13, 2024
Hello...can me send somebody the contacts of the grandson brian? I'm an old friend of him.
John Riddle
July 25, 2023
I didn't realize Jim had passed away as I was just reliving some old memories and saw the obituary. My condolences to the family. I was fortunate to have roomed with Jim in spring training about 1954 and became good friends at that time. What a great guy. With his success we drifted apart but I did see him once in a while. I'm proud to say I knew Jim Hickman.
Jim Hickman
August 8, 2018
Great name. Same as mine. Remember watching Cubs with Spud and Bobby Leonard. Was my favorite player and not due to having the same name, however that did get my attention first. He was 9 years older. I always wished I could be a great like him. So sad of his death. Never heard what he died from.
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bill masella
December 23, 2016
To the family of Jim Hickman:
I was a young boy and lover of the NY Mets when Jim played for them, and he was, hands down, my favorite player. I remember distinctly the day he hit the cycle and the day he hit three homeruns. I was only nine at the time, but I couldn't wait for my father to get home from work so I could tell him.
Jim gave me many wonderful childhood memories. May he rest in peace and may you take comfort in knowing of the joy he brought to many baseball fans.
God bless.
Connie Sprinkel
November 3, 2016
I often think about the summer in Mt Prospect at the apartment complex ( Old Ivy I think was the name) and playing ball with Jim Jr., Bill, and Joe wondering where life took everyone. It is these memories that have kept me a diehard Cub fan for all these years. The World Series victory for the Cubs team is amazing and at the same time I'm saddened to read of your dad's passing. I'm certain he's beaming with pride. My deepest sympathies.
Jeff Dewhurst
September 30, 2016
another piece of my childhood lost
Hugh Chardonnay
September 24, 2016
His .315 year with the Cubs was straight out of a Hollywood script. He could do no wrong...and the fans loved him for it. -- Hugh Chardon
rick tasso
September 14, 2016
my favorite baseball player when I was a boy in Chicago.i feel like I lost a family member.gods blessing with the hickman family
MA
September 1, 2016
May God give you peace as you cope with your dear loss of Jim. Psalms 55:17 reminds us that God hears our cries when we are in pain. He hears yours as well. May you have peace.
July 18, 2016
He made a name for himself as a professional and as a team player. My sincere condolences to the family for their loss. May the loving God of all comfort grant you of His strength and endurance to help you cope with your grief, while you continue to cherish the great moments he had with his loved ones...
Evette
July 4, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jim Hickman #28 CF Chicago Cubs
SPH
July 2, 2016
Family rumor had it that we were somehow related to Jim Hickman. Never did the research, but followed his MLB career with particular interest, which was especially fun in 1969 & 1970.
Condolences to all my Tennessee "kin", and Rest In Peace, Cousin Jim.
July 2, 2016
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
S.R. Wright
July 1, 2016
Jim Hickman had two walk-off hits in June of '69 against the Pirates at Wrigley Field that I watch over and over again. "Hickman did it again! Whoooeeee!" Thanks for the memories, Jim. We Cubs fans will always remember you.
George Miller
July 1, 2016
I remember his great time at Chicago, many key home runs!
marjorie harris
July 1, 2016
Our deep condolences from The Harris family for your loss.
vic bulaich
July 1, 2016
Remember most, Jim tried his hand at pitching for Dodgers, came in relief and gave up a home run to of all people but
Willie Mays. The manager (think Alston)
at the time told him " the say hey kid
has given up round tripper to
Real Pitchers".
Robert
July 1, 2016
Thank you Mr. Hickman for the excitement and joy you brought to a 12 year old boy in the summer of 69. To the family, my sincere condolences on your loss. He was called 'Gentleman Jim' and that's about the best thing any of us could wish for in life.
Bethany Phillips
July 1, 2016
sorry for Jim Lost.
Rod
June 30, 2016
My condolences to the Hickmam family regarding the loss of Jim. He left memorable moments as an exceptional major league baseball player. His positive contribution to the game undoubtedly gives your family a great sense of pride. May the peace that only the Almighty can give comfort the Hickman family~Rom. 15:33.
ALG
June 30, 2016
To the Hickman Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathies ,may the peace that surpasses all understanding helps as cope with your loss.
Scott Chamberland
June 30, 2016
Rest in Peace
June 30, 2016
Good memories of watching him play for the Cubs. RIP and God bless.
Robinson Family
June 30, 2016
Our condolences to the family. May the God of peace comfort you during this time of loss.
June 30, 2016
My condolences to the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Jack K
June 29, 2016
Jim, you were a dignified man and defined the word "class." What a great example you were to the Nation's youth. When the Cubs win it all this fall, we will look up, and there you will be . . . with Ernie and Ron and Harry and Jack and so many others. God is good!
Adrian Barnette
June 29, 2016
We'll miss you !
Nina
June 29, 2016
Hickman family: Sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Mary Green
June 29, 2016
RIP
Art
June 29, 2016
I remember Jim from the 60's and 70's. Good clutch ballplayer.
My condolences.
Barbara Aguirre
June 29, 2016
Nita, Jim Jr, Bill, Joey, & Mike, we are so sorry for your loss.
The Aguirre family sends their love. prayers and deepest sympathy on the passing of Jim. Our time together with the Cubs holds some of our greatest memories. We are thinking of you all. Barbara Aguirre, Rance, Pam, Robin, & Jill
Travis Whitely
June 29, 2016
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, Joey, I know that you two had some great memories together
June 29, 2016
Anita and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of Jim.
The Jerry & Pat Barton Family of Edwardsville, IL
i
DS
June 29, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Val
June 29, 2016
So very sorry to hear the news of "Gentleman Jim" passing. I had the opportunity to see him play for the Cubs!
RIP
dean kuykendall
June 29, 2016
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Harry Simpson
June 29, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
June 29, 2016
So very sorry for your loss.
D Tyler
June 29, 2016
Deep condolences to the Hickman family. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Herb Priebe
June 28, 2016
Jim
Gave some great baseball memories in 1969 and 1970.
Thanks for the memories.
Herb Priebe, Baseball Fan Illinois
Mary Dease
June 28, 2016
To Jim, Jr., Bill, Joey & Mike --
Sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father. So very difficult to lose a parent. Please know it was my privilege to work in the front office at Wrigley Field alongside my favorite Cub 'Gentleman Jim' between 1970 and his exit from the team to the Cardinals in March, 1974. He was the most endearingly down to earth guy, wonderfully kind & thoughtful. I could tell from my phone conversation with Joey this past Friday how much a loving father had bestowed excellent qualities in his son. Will make a contribution in his name to Nashville's Shelby Foundation & write at length by postal mail.
Warmly,
Mary Dease
Chicago, IL
Pat Leding
June 27, 2016
Thinking of you Joey during your time of loss. Hang in there Buddy!!
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