AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 22, 2026
Liam Hicks: A Toronto Journey to the World Series
Canadian catcher Liam Hicks, who spent his teenage years honing his baseball skills in the Toronto area, has emerged as a key player for the Tampa Bay Rays as they prepare for the upcoming MLB World Series. Hicks’s rise from a relatively unheralded prospect to a major league catcher is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and continuous improvement.
Humble Beginnings in Toronto
Growing up in Toronto, Hicks was not seen as a can’t-miss prospect during his early baseball years. Playing for the Toronto Mets of the Canadian Premier Baseball League, he developed elite bat-to-ball skills and a strong work ethic. According to Rich Leitch, vice-president of operations for the Toronto Mets, Hicks was an “impressive kid,” but not one who immediately stood out as a future major leaguer. Even as a 15-year-old playing with top Ontario juniors, his talent was noticed, but few predicted his current success.
Development through Junior College and Arkansas State
After graduating high school without immediate scholarship offers from American schools, Hicks’s baseball career took a significant turn at the U.S. junior college level. Joining the Mineral Area Cardinals, he continued to fill out physically and refine his skills. Hitting coach Jordan Thompson, who saw potential in a brief video sent by Leitch, remembers Hicks for his beautiful swing and continually growing athleticism. Hicks’s success blossomed further at Arkansas State, where as a junior, he led the Sun Belt Conference with a .464 on-base percentage.
His outstanding performance caught the attention of the Texas Rangers, who selected him in the ninth round of the MLB Draft. This was a significant step in his baseball development, as he moved through the minor-league system and continued to develop both offensively and defensively.
Major League Debut and Growth with the Rays
Hicks reached the major leagues with the Miami Marlins in 2025 as a Rule 5 pick, having steadily progressed through the professional ranks. He enjoyed a solid rookie season, leading all MLB rookies in 2025 with a 0.77 walks/strikeout rate and finishing with one of the lowest out-of-zone swing percentages among qualified hitters. This season, after a trade-deadline move to the Tampa Bay Rays, Hicks elevated his game significantly. He posted a .284 batting average, hit 18 home runs, and drove in 82 runs, slotting regularly into the heart of the Rays’ batting order while working closely with the team’s pitching staff.
Defensive Improvements and Recognition
Hicks’s improvement defensively has also been notable. His former coach, Jordan Thompson, remarked on the strides Hicks has made behind the plate, noting, “We’re so impressed at how much better he’s gotten defensively.” Leitch also praised Hicks as a great role model for young players, saying he “willed himself” into his position through a commitment to ongoing improvement and planning.
Rays manager Ernie Whitt and others have commended Hicks for his team-first attitude and rapid development, with Whitt calling him a “tremendous team player” during his appearance for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
On the Brink of World Series Success
Now 27, Hicks is the only Canadian on the Rays’ active World Series roster. The Rays are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers, with the series opening at American Family Field. Two Canadian players, Tyler Black (Toronto) and Bo Naylor (Mississauga), are on the Brewers' 40-man roster but will not play in the series, while Chatham’s Doug Melvin serves as a senior adviser.
Hicks’s journey from local Toronto baseball leagues to MLB World Series contender exemplifies the value of determination and hard work, setting an example for aspiring Canadian athletes. As the World Series begins, all eyes will be on Hicks as he continues to make his mark in Major League Baseball.
Source: cbc.ca.
