Brewer Hicklen strikes blows to help local baseball youths

HUNTSVILLE – Brewer Hicklen flogged 22 home runs for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds last season, and each time the former Huntsville High School and Birmingham-Southern outfielder rounded the bases, underserved kids in the area might as well have been running along behind him.

Hicklen, who got a late season call-up to the Milwaukee Brewers and notched his first Major League Baseball stolen base, is the progenitor of “Homers for Hope,” a fundraising campaign arm for The Bullpen Foundation that provides baseball needs for low-income families in the community.

In Homers for Hope, Hicklen and his wife Reagan donated $100 for each homer he hit this season, and coupled with donations and pledges based on his round-trippers the goal was to raise $30,000. 

The final tally was in the neighborhood of $32,000 for the three-year old foundation, which raises money and equipment for Rocket City programs.

“It’s greatly appreciated,” said Jason Landers, chairman and a leading founder of the still-fledgling foundation. “That’ll make a big impact for us.”

The Bullpen Foundation was started by Landers and a small group of community and business leaders with a mission to strengthen local neighborhoods and families through positive youth athletic programs and leagues.

All donations are used to provide equipment, cover registration fees and improve local park facilities. 

Donations can be made directly to the Bullpen Foundation at www.bullpenfoundation.org. For inquiries, email [email protected] or call 256-509-3413.

Hicklen, who looks in the coming season to get another taste of “The Show,” started the “Homer for Hope” journey with faith for success blowing at his back.

“I think whenever you play for something bigger than yourself, you always feel a little bit more proud of what you are doing,” he said. “Life, believe it or not, is not always about you. And yes, I have a ton of people that all have their eyes on me, but they know that it doesn’t stop with me.

“Their support in me is support for the things I am passionate about. And I am trying to use the blessings God has given me to be a blessing to those around me.”