Ben Hecht Decides on College...for Now

St. Anthony High School graduate Ben Hecht has decided to forego professional baseball for now and will head to Illinois State University this fall.

Ben's father, Jerry, said Monday that the draft selection by the New York Mets was very flattering, but the decision was to go to school.  Hecht was chosen in the 31st round as the 926th overall pick.

Jerry Hecht said the Kansas City Royals initially showed the most interest in Ben, but the Mets ended up making him their draft choice.

Since Ben is headed for a four-year school, he will not again be eligible for the major league draft until after his junior year, the same situation as EHS graduate Chad Green faced this year after his junior season at Louisville.

Ben's eldest brother, Anthony, was also drafted after a stellar career at St. Anthony but went on to some good seasons in college before being injured.  Jerry admitted that Anthony encouraged Ben to sign with the Mets now, but the final decision was to head to Illinois State.