Aug. 16, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. - All three incoming Illinois State freshmen selected in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft have turned down their professional offers to instead play for the Redbirds. Catcher Mike Hollenbeck, pitcher Johnny Lieske and infielder Brock Stewart allowed Monday's 11:00 p.m. CT MLB Draft deadline to pass without signing professional contracts. They will begin classes at ISU next week.
"This is a very good day for Illinois State baseball," said head coach Mark Kingston. "We are excited about the entire recruiting class. Having three that were drafted says a lot about the caliber of player we are attracting. Our goal is to be a great option for the top student-athletes, and with this group, we have accomplished that. This group combined with our returning players has us anxious to get to work this fall."
Hollenbeck, from Joliet, Ill., was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the 14th round of the draft. The Joliet Township High School graduate hit .495 during his senior season, with eight home runs and 40 RBI. Lieske, from Machesney Park, Ill., was selected in the 35th round by the Texas Rangers. During his senior season at Harlem High School, Lieske was 2-5 with a 3.74 ERA. Stewart, from Normal, Ill., was selected by the New York Mets in the 40th round. The former Normal West High School shortstop hit .459 as a senior, with four home runs and 30 RBI.
The three recruits were part of Illinois State's seven-man early signing class, which included more top-25 Illinois players according to Prep Baseball Report than any other university. The incoming freshmen join 20 returning players from the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and tournament champion Redbird baseball team.
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Mike Hollenbeck |
Brock Stewart |
Johnny Lieske |
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