Effingham's Ben Hecht Drafted By Cubs

On the third day of the 2017 draft, the Chicago Cubs made 11 picks, eight pitchers and three position players.

Among the pitchers was Effingham native Ben Hecht. Hecht was drafted in the 12th round. The right-hander graduated from Effingham St. Anthony High School in 2013. During his high school career with the Bulldogs, he was named National Trail All-Conference four times, named the conference MVP twice and was named All-State twice.

The Bulldogs won the state champoinship in 2012 and Hecht was named Illinois High School Association Player of the Year in 2012.

This isn't the first time Hecht has been drafted. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the 31st round in 2013.

Hecht played at Illinois State one year in 2014 and threw 23.1 innings but had no decisions. Hecht then headed to Lincoln Land College where he pitched in 2016 earning a 9-3 record. He threw 81 innings with a 3.33 earned run average.

Hecht transferred to Wichita State where this season he recorded eight saves in 28 appearances. He fanned 41 in 30 innings while walking 12 and finished with a 5.0

Hecht is the son of Jerry and Donna Hecht.

Also drafted from Illinois was Joe Donovan, a catcher from Westmont High School. He hit .523 with 16 homers and 49 RBI as a senior and will be playing at Michigan next season.