Aug. 12, 2020

By Ryan Crilly

Canadian Baseball Network

It was a really big deal when the Muenster Red Sox won the 2019 13U AA Tier 1 Saskatchewan title with a 21-2 win over the Macklin Lakers.

So, it WAS a really big deal when Logan Hofmann (Muenster, Sask.) was drafted and signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hofmann, 20, is a town of about 500 located in a rural part of the province that lives and breathes baseball.

“It was awesome, couldn’t think of growing up in a better place,” said Hofmann of his hometown. “Obviously, Muenster is a big ball town. Every night in the summer you walk to the field and there are kids running around on the field and in the batting cages.”

Chosen in the fifth round of this year’s draft, the 5-foot-10 right-hander signed for $125,000 US. His selection (138th overall) made him the highest player ever drafted from Saskatchewan.

RHP James Avery (Maple Creek, Sask.) previously held that distinction when he was taken in the fifth round (152nd overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2005.

“Its pretty tough to put into words, it’s a moment of joy and excitement and I’m glad I got to spend it with my family,” Hofmann said of being drafted by and later signing with the Pirates.

After playing his minor ball in his hometown, Hofmann began his collegiate career at Colby Community College in Kansas. In two years there, he posted a 16-7 record and amassed 230 strikeouts in 175 1/3 innings.

His performance garnered him notice from the St. Louis Cardinals who selected him in the 35th round of the 2019 draft. But rather than sign with the Cardinals, Hofmann chose to attend Northwestern State University Demons and hone his skills with their Div. I team.

“Negotiations went down to the last day with St. Louis, it wasn’t just a couple days of talking it was a full month,” said Hofmann. “It was stressful, I had to bet on myself. I knew if I had a good year and stayed healthy I could up my stock.”

Last summer, Hofmann joined the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod League, where he would be named to the West All-Star Team. During his stint in the Cape, he posted a 3.54 ERA and a 1.125 WHIP.

“It was the best summer of my life, in one of the nicest parts of the country. The league is the best summer league there is,” said Hofmann.

Following that summer, he began attending Northwestern State and suited up for their team for an abbreviated 2020 season. Hofmann dominated and not allow an earned run, while striking out 38, in 28 innings. He was one of eight starters in NCAA Div. I to not permit an earned run. For his efforts, he received second-team All-American honours from Collegiate Baseball.

Hofmann features a high-spin fastball that can reach 94 mph and will usually sit from 90-91 mph. He compliments his fastball with a curve, slider and change-up. Hofmann compares himself to former Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt.

“He gets the most out of his body. He was a smaller pitcher, I guess some of my stuff could be similar to his,” said Hofmann.

Hofmann has already earned high praise from the Pirates organization and was one of five right-handed pitchers taken by the Bucs in the draft.

“I didn’t know if I was going to get drafted. It was about a 50-50 chance,” said Hofmann.

Hofmann is now looking ahead and hoping to begin his pro career, but the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made his future uncertain.

“Moving forward we have to look at the options,” said Hofmann. “If there is no baseball this fall, I might go back to school, take some classes and get ready for spring training next year.”