Two Former Hoots Drafted By Diamondbacks, Braves

Two former O’Fallon Hoots are flying their way up to professional baseball. 2021 Hoot and 2022 CarShield Collegiate League (CCL) member Brett Johnson and 2020 Hoot Andrew Keck have been selected in the 2022 MLB Draft. 

Johnson was selected in the 10th round, 288th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The SIUE senior outfielder hit .350 this past season for the Cougars, clubbing 23 home runs and driving in 63. Johnson has also spent time in O’Fallon, playing for the Hoots in 2021, and the St. Louis Prospects of the CCL this summer. 

As a member of the Hoots last season, Johnson hit .315 across 38 games. He hit four home runs in the regular season, and hit a two-run home run in the Hoots’ lone playoff game. Johnson also swiped 14 bags last season. 

This year for the Prospects, Johnson continues his strong play with a .393 average in nine games.  He’s hit five home runs, has 13 RBI’s, and is 3-3 in the stolen base category. 

Keck, a catcher at SEMO and a St. Louis native, was selected in the 10th round, 305th overall by the Atlanta Braves. The Redhawk hit .326 with 17 home runs, 68 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 57 starts in 2022.  The backstop earned Second-Team All-OVC for his efforts in 2022. 

The Hoots played in the CCL in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic shutting down the Prospect League. That did not stop Keck from putting up solid numbers in 2020. He played in 21 games, hitting .286 with three home runs, 14 RBI’s and had an OPS of 1.007. Keck also threw out two baserunners that summer. 

Good luck to both Brett and Andrew as they continue playing baseball at the professional level.

About the O’Fallon Hoots

The O’Fallon Hoots began play in O’Fallon, Missouri in May 2020 after relocating from Hannibal, Missouri following the 2019 season. For tickets, merchandise or any team information, visit ofallonhoots.com.