Athlete of the Week: Brooklyn Hicks, West Orange baseball

The West Orange High baseball team comes into the 2025 season with a slew of college baseball-bound pitchers in its bullpen, but as anyone who knows the game will tell you, without a catcher, it doesn’t matter how good a team’s pitching staff is. Luckily for the Warriors, Brooklyn Hicks is back behind the plate for his senior season. 

In 2024, Hicks, a Saint Vincent College commit and the Warriors’ defensive player of the year, caught 154 innings and only allowed six passed balls — while also throwing out 11 runners attempting to steal.

With Hicks behind the bag and a majority of its starters from 2024 returning, West Orange has a chance to make a real run. 

The Basics

Age: 17

Sport: Baseball

Grade: Senior

School: West Orange High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It is definitely an honor and a testament to the work I’ve put in.

What do you like the most about baseball?

What I like most about baseball is the brotherhood. Every person on the team is competing toward the same goal and putting their best effort in for the guy next to them. In order to win, the team has to treat each other like family. That brings everyone together and that is my favorite part.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing sports?

How to fail and be humble. Baseball is a game of failure, but it just takes one swing to turn around a slump. 

Who is your favorite athlete? Why?

My favorite athlete currently is Mookie Betts. He is top-tier at every part of the game.

Is there someone after whom you try to model your game?

I’ve always looked at Dustin Pedroia. He’s a smaller guy who plays gritty and puts his heart on the field.

What is your favorite memory from playing sports?

Turning a double play to beat Winter Garden Little League in the 10U District Championship after losing to them that week.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

I don’t have a consistent pre-game meal, but out of the rotation of meals we get, I would take some Huey Magoo’s chicken.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

“Crazy Clientele” by Future and Metro Boomin.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Going to the gym and getting a workout in.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject in school is probably history because we get to learn valuable lessons from our past.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? Why?

I would take a knife, food and a tent, because I can protect myself and stay sheltered with necessities.

What is your favorite movie? Why?

“Interstellar” because it’s a movie (in which) every detail matters and really makes you think. 

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be? Why?

I would say Shane Gillis, so I could get a good laugh. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? Why?

I would go back to the 1700s to see baseball be created.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Be consistent in what you’re doing, keep asking questions and trust the process.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Did I work hard enough?

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?

Iron Man — he’s an American classic.

Who is your favorite supervillain? Why?

Loki because he’s a smooth guy who doesn’t accept defeat and always finds a way.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

Japan, England and Germany — to see the top sporting events and observe the culture.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

I would choose to be a gorilla. They are very intelligent, and I think it would be cool to swing around the trees.

What is your most controversial food take?

Salad is not good whatsoever.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Not a chance.