COACH'S GAME BALL featuring Tyler Hickernell

Head Baseball Coach Kevin Ritsche chose Tyler Hickernell as the recipient of this issue's Game Ball.

Hickernell, a 6'3" 215 pounds senior from Thomasville, N.C., is in the midst of his third and final season at Winston-Salem State after playing his freshman season at Guilford Tech.

He pitches and is a designated hitter for the Rams. Ritsche said he values Hickernell as one of the most productive and versatile players on the team.

"Tyler has been our top guy for getting on base and driving in runs this year," Ritsche said.

"He leads the team in home runs (9) and walks (38). He's also one of our top pitchers, so he helps us on both sides of the ball."

Hickernell also leads the Rams in slugging percentage (.683) and on base percentage (.506). He is tied for the team's lead with 49 RBIs.

From the pitcher's mound, he is just as effective. He has started in ten of his twelve appearances, boasting a 6-4 record and the third-best ERA on the team (2.66).

After earning a spot on the All-CIAA Tournament team as a pitcher in 2012, Hickernell was named first team All-CIAA this season.

Ritsche said he is a great player on the field as well as a leader by example off the field. He said he relies on Hickernell's experience to help guide the team.

Q: At what age did you start playing baseball, and what got you into it?

Hickernell: I started playing at a very young age. All of my dad's side of the family played baseball and that really inspired me.

Q: Who's the MLB player you admire most and why?

Hickernell: My favorite player is Josh Hamilton [outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels]. I love how he plays the game so smoothly. I also admire all the struggles that he overcame to get to where he is now.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?

Hickernell: I am not overly superstitious, but I do think about things like, what batting gloves I have been hitting good with, and also sometimes if I have been pitching or hitting good, I'll try to wear the same undershirt.

Q: What do you like most about playing baseball?

Hickernell: I love the art of hitting. I like stepping in the batter's box and knowing you are going up against the opposing pitcher. I love being able to change a game with one swing of the bat.

Q: What are your expectations going into the CIAA tournament [April 18-20] and the rest of the season?

Hickernell: Going into the CIAA, I expect nothing less than taking home a third-straight CIAA championship. After the tournament, we have some of our tougher games against Mount Olive and Wingate. I see those games as a great way to prepare for the NCAA regional tournament. Winning the regional tournament has been our goal since the first day of fall ball.

Q: What are your plans after WSSU?

Hickernell: I will be graduating this May with an accounting degree. I plan to attend graduate school at WSSU and pursue my MBA.