Background
Seattle Mariners right-handed-hitting catching prospect John Hicks had an outstanding junior season at the University of Virginia. He hit .332 with eight home runs and 59 RBIs.
Hicks' collegiate performance earned him a selection in the fourth round of the 2011 Draft. He was tied for the Cavaliers' team lead in homers and RBIs with Steven Proscia, who was also selected by the Mariners in the same Draft. They were two of the three Cavaliers chosen, as left-handed pitcher Danny Hultzen was a first-round selection.
For a catcher considered "defense-first," Hicks began his career looking like his offense would take him a long way.