Blake Hickman thought he had caught a break. The 26-year-old pitcher, drafted by the White Sox three years ago only to be cut loose from their farm system, got a call from the San Diego Padres in March inviting him to spring training. If he caught on, he’d be back on the road that might lead to the majors.
Within hours, though, Major League Baseball announced it was suspending operations in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, a shutdown that has yet to be resolved. Hickman, who lives in Tinley Park, would have to try to prolong his baseball career closer to home — but that, too, has had its obstacles.