Aman Hicks came out of nowhere to be fourth-round pick; Saw four pro seasons, made AA

Originally published Feb. 17, 2016

Aman Hicks hardly made anyone's radar at the start of his spring 1988 high school season, according to The Los Angeles Times.

By the end of it, he was a fourth-round pick.

"He popped out of nowhere," Orioles scout Ed Crosby told The Times. "I think someone saw him run down the first-base line and took notice."

Hicks signed with the Orioles that year and he went on to a career that spanned four years. He never made AA.

The Orioles took Hicks in the fourth round of the 1988 draft out of Gardena High School in California.

At Gardena, Hicks won all-league honors that year, hitting .526, stealing 20 bases, according to The Times.

With the Orioles, Hicks started at rookie Bluefield. Over 50 games, he hit .226. He knocked in 14 and stole six bases. He moved to short-season Erie for 1989. He hit .205 there in 44 games.

Hicks' first look at single-A came in 1990 at Wausau. His average stayed low there, at .208. He got into 99 games.

Hicks' final season came in 1991 at single-A Kane County. In 49 games, he hit .238, ending his career.

• Los Angeles Times, June 9, 1988: Baltimore Signs 'Unknown' Gardena Outfielder