This article is a chapter in a journal series written by White Sox pitching prospect, Blake Hickman. Drafted in the seventh round in 2015, Hickman had Tommy John surgery not long after being drafted. He is a native of Chicago, and a product of famed Simeon High School and the White Sox ACE program. This latest entry goes over bullpens and simulated games as Blake prepares for 2017.
By Blake Hickman
In the last couple months of my rehab, I threw bullpens getting ready for a couple simulated games before I headed into the offseason. I threw eight bullpens before throwing my first simulated game on August 21st. During my bullpens I wanted to work on getting the feel of throwing downhill again while hitting my spots. Gaining control of the strike zone has been tough for a couple of bullpens but for the most part it was pretty good. My last bullpen was on August 17th and it was a full 35 pitches, working in all of my pitches.
The big thing for me was to not allow myself to over-throw so that I could stay within my mechanics. In my bullpen before the last one I kind of did that, over-throwing and not staying consistent with my delivery. Now that I had a total of 4 days to prepare for my simulated game, I focused on my delivery and trying to stay smooth. Each time I got to throw off the mound I’ve realized how much focus is needed for me to get my control back. Even though it won’t be back fully until spring, most likely. I just want to feel myself become more consistent every time I’m out on the mound.
The big thing then was getting through these last couple weeks feeling good. I wanted to go into the offseason 100% ready to train and get ready for my first full season. This has been a long season of rehabbing but I’ve never felt that strong ever in my life. Everything is preset so that helped me stay on top of everything from running, core, flexibly, and lifting. I’m learning a lot about my body as a pitcher and making sure I hit on everything so that I won’t have to go through this again. As of now I have done everything possible to get better so that next season I can get out on the field and compete for this organization.
At the end of August I threw two simulated games and it felt great to compete again. I felt as if I didn’t miss a beat as far as my competitiveness. I didn’t get caught up in the results but for not facing hitters in over a year I was proud of myself. The two simulated games I threw went very well and I walked away feeling amazing. I was supposed to go instructs to throw two more simulated games and maybe an inning but I decided to go back to school and finish my degree. I wanted to just give my arm a full offseason to come into 2017 as fresh as any other player there.
I am currently at the University of Iowa and I’m about a month and a half away from earning my degree in Sports Studies with a minor in African American History. I also have begun my offseason training regimen. I hit the gym five days a week preparing myself to come into Spring Training in the best shape of my life. After I graduate in December I’ll be headed back to Chicago and officially give my craft 100%. I will be there until I get the call to report for Spring Training. I’m excited to finally be between those lines with a great group of guys next season. I won’t worry about where I start out next season; I’ll be ready for whatever the Sox has plan for me. It will all work itself out. See you at Spring Training 2017!
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