After spending six successful seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Jordan Hicks made his highly anticipated return to Busch Stadium on Tuesday night. However, it was not the homecoming that the 24-year-old pitcher had hoped for as he gave up five earned runs and two homers in his first game back with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Hicks, who was drafted by the Cardinals in 2015, quickly became a fan favorite in St. Louis with his impressive fastball that consistently reached triple digits. In his rookie season in 2018, he recorded 70 strikeouts in just 77.2 innings, solidifying his spot as a key member of the Cardinals’ bullpen.
But in 2019, Hicks’ promising season was cut short when he suffered a torn UCL in his right elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2020 season, and Cardinals fans were eager to see their beloved pitcher back on the mound, even if it was in a different uniform.
As Hicks took the mound in the eighth inning, the crowd erupted in cheers, giving him a standing ovation. It was a heartwarming moment for the young pitcher, who had worked tirelessly to make his comeback.
However, things quickly took a turn for the worse as he gave up a lead-off single to Paul Goldschmidt, followed by a two-run homer to Nolan Arenado, two of his former teammates. The once-energetic crowd fell silent as Hicks struggled to find his rhythm.
In the ninth inning, Hicks gave up another three runs, including a solo homer to Yadier Molina, the Cardinals’ beloved catcher who had caught many of Hicks’ pitches in the past. It was a bittersweet moment for both players as they shared a brief embrace after Molina’s home run.
Despite the disappointing performance, Hicks remained positive and focused on the bigger picture. “It was a tough night, but I’m grateful to be back on the mound and competing again,” he said in a post-game interview. “I have a lot of love for this city and the Cardinals organization, but now I have to focus on my new team and helping them win.”
Hicks’ positive attitude and determination to bounce back from his injury is a testament to his character and resilience. It takes a lot of mental and physical strength to come back from a major surgery, and Hicks has shown that he is up for the challenge.
While his return to St. Louis may not have gone as planned, Hicks’ performance should not be a cause for concern. It takes time for pitchers to fully recover from Tommy John surgery, and Hicks is still in the process of regaining his strength and refining his mechanics.
In fact, Hicks’ velocity was still impressive, with his fastball reaching 100 mph multiple times. It’s only a matter of time before he returns to his dominant form and becomes a key player for the Diamondbacks.
As for the Cardinals, they were able to come out on top with a 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks, thanks to a strong performance from their own bullpen. But the victory was bittersweet for many fans who still have a soft spot for Hicks.
In the end, Hicks’ return to St. Louis was a reminder of the impact he had on the city and the Cardinals organization. He may no longer wear the red and white uniform, but he will always be remembered as a talented and beloved player who gave his all on the field.
The road to recovery may have been long and challenging for Jordan Hicks, but he has proven that he is a fighter and a true competitor. With his determination and positive attitude, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a name for himself in the MLB and make his mark on the Diamondbacks. As for his return to St. Louis, it may not have gone as planned, but it was a special moment that will be cherished by both Hicks and Cardinals fans for years to come.
