Hopes were high for Saskatchewan and Canadian baseball as this year’s amended version of the Major League Baseball draft rolled around. Once again, eyes were on the pride of Muenster, Saskatchewan, pitcher Logan Hofmann, to see if he would again crack the threshold of baseball’s elite.

Like virtually all aspects of life, it’s been a strange and turbulent year in the baseball world in light of the global pandemic and sporting shut down. Amid the uncertainty, MLB opted for an abbreviated five round draft in 2020, which would make the odds for many players much longer in terms of being selected. However, Hofmann’s gamble in declining a draft offer the previous year, after being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 35th round paid off. 

On the evening of June 11, Hoffman was selected in the 5th round, 138th overall, by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Hoffman said there was an element of deja-vu watching the draft picks with his family in Muenster, but the circumstances this year presented a different spin. 

“It was a similar feeling, but this one was a little more exciting I guess just because of the circumstances. It was only a five round draft so it was pretty cool to get in there. I found out a couple picks before; I got a phone call saying they’re going to take you. I didn’t really believe it until I saw it on my TV.”

For those who have followed Hofmann’s interrupted college season, the pick came as little surprise. Hofmann elected to play college ball with NorthWestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana hoping to contribute to the NCAA Division I team. 

What he accomplished in the four of sixteen games he pitched was nothing short of phenomenal. Hofmann registered a 0.00 earned run average as the team won each of its weekend series games. The stellar performance had scouts sitting up and taking notice. 

The choice to play with NWU was a decision Hofmann does not regret as his confidence grew with the team. He reflected on the strong sense of culture and hospitality that enveloped the area. 

“It felt really good this whole year. Our intersquads leading up to our first game, I felt like I could command my pitches really well and get guys out in different ways. In those four starts, the atmosphere at our field was awesome. I had the adrenaline pumping; it was just a great experience overall.”

Moving forward in the COVID environment comes with some uncertainties he recognizes. With an intent to sign with Pittsburgh,  Hofmann awaits the team plans for what happens next with this year’s draft picks.  

“Usually they would send players to some fall baseball, but if that doesn’t happen, we’ll probably head to somewhere in Florida next spring for some spring training. Then depending how you do there, they can put you on a team. Obviously, you want to make one of the minor league teams out of spring training. That’s the route most people take.”

Ever humble, Hofmann is quick to send thanks to everyone who has supported his career thus far. Following his years in Colby Community College and summer in the Cape Cod league with the strongest collegiate players in North American, Hofmann embraces the next step.

“I feel like I’m ready for it. I’ve proved at the college level I can be there, and in the Cape Cod League, the best summer collegiate league, I can be there as well, so I’m ready for what’s to come. I’m looking forward to it.”

A province that loves baseball, and that loves its heroes, is anxiously awaiting to see what comes for the prairie born hurler.