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Heartland Community College

Two Heartland Hawks selected in MLB Draft

July 19, 2024

Two Heartland Community College standout athletes were chosen in the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. 

Sam Antonacci and Ben Hartl, both players from the 2023 Hawks team that captured a NJCAA DII National Championship, were selected in this summer’s MLB Draft. 

Heartland Community College Athletics Director Ryan Knox sees a bright future for these two Heartland Hawks. 

“Sam and Ben are ready for this,” said Knox. “Sam and Ben deserve this success. Believe it or not, they are better people than baseball players. Heartland Community College being a part of their journey gives us tremendous pride and further indicates the possibilities this institution can provide. This is another college-wide win.” 

Infielder Antonacci, chosen in the 5th round of the draft by the Chicago White Sox, posted a batting average of .515 and on base percentage of .618 during his championship season at Heartland. In 2023, he was named NJCAA DII National Player of the Year. Earlier this year he was chosen as co-recipient of the 2024 NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. After completing his sophomore year Antonacci transferred to Coastal Carolina. 

Catcher Hartl was selected in the 14th round by the Texas Rangers. In 2023 he was nominated for the All-American Baseball Team, posting a batting average of .420 and an on base percentage of .593 as a student athlete at Heartland. Hartl continued his academic and athletic path with a transfer to Kansas for the ‘23-‘24 school year.

Written by: Steve Fast