[1] Known as "The Phantom of Union Springs", where he played in high school, Hitchcock earned three varsity football letters at Auburn from 1930 to 1932.

As a triple-threat halfback, he led his team to the 1932 Southern Conference championship.

He also took a position on the Auburn University Board of Trustees which was responsible for the hiring of legendary football coach "Shug" Jordan.

He played professional baseball for nine seasons (1933–40; 1946), including a stint as the shortstop for the Boston Bees (now known as the Atlanta Braves) of the National League in 1938.

Outside of sports, Hitchcock served in the United States Navy in World War II.