The starting pitcher in the first no-hitter in franchise history, Hickert returns for his second season with the Boomers. The Missouri native made 19 appearances with 16 starts, finishing 5-4 with a 4.99 ERA, working 88.1 innings. Hickert carried a perfect game into a start on June 20 after throwing seven no-hit innings on June 8 and was the starting pitcher in three shutouts. Hickert helped re-start the program at the University of Akron, pitching three years for the Zips.