By Darren
Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex
 |
| Logan Hofmann signs a ball for a young player in Saskatoon. |
The notion
of becoming a Major League Baseball draft selection or going to the elite
levels of the sport didn’t cross his mind until high school.
“Growing
up, I just played it, because it was fun,” said Hofmann. “It never really was a
thought of mine to play professional baseball, because I was a big hockey
player too growing up.
“I thought
I was better at hockey pretty much my whole life until about Grade 10. That is
when I thought that if I keep improving in baseball I can eventually go to
college and then from there have success in college and then move on to the
professional ranks.”
The right-handed pitcher played for Saskatchewan’s provincial team as part of an extremely successful run from 2015 to 2017.
Saskatchewan won silver at the
Baseball Canada Cup played at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex in 2015, gold at
the Baseball Canada Cup held in 2016 in Fort McMurray, Alta., and at the Canada
Summer Games in 2017 in Winnipeg.
The
standout with the Muenster Red Sox program also played catcher and shortstop,
when he wasn’t taking turns on the hill.
 |
| Logan Hofmann pitching for Saskatchewan. (Photo courtesy Baseball Saskatchewan) |
Hofmann
elected to not to sign with the Cardinals deciding to play for the Northwestern
State University Demons baseball team in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in the NCAA
Division I ranks. That allowed him to keep developing his pitching stills and re-enter the MLB Draft.
In the MLB
Draft that was held on June 11, Hofmann was selected in the fifth round and 138th
overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He signed a rookie contact with the Pirates
on June 27.
The 20-year-old said it was a thrill to be picked in the MLB Draft and to be able to sign with the Pirates so quickly after the draft.
“It kind of
just seals the deal,” said Hofmann, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds.
“It is official.
“It is kind
of the same thing as getting drafted. It is a great feeling, and I guess kind
of a big accomplishment to say that you’ve signed now, and you’re ready to get
your minor league career started.”
While he is
gaining big opportunities in the game, Hofmann never forgets his Saskatchewan
roots. When he returns home after completing his post-secondary season, he can
usually be found on the diamonds in Muenster or around the province helping
younger players.
 |
| Logan Hofmann played shortstop and catcher growing up. (Photo courtesy Baseball Saskatchewan) |
“It is just
good to give back just to see I guess some of the young talent we have in
Saskatchewan,” said Hofmann, who credits his father, Chad, on being the biggest
influence in helping him in the game growing up. “I just want to help them be
the best player and person they can be.”
Hofmann has
good memories playing with Saskatchewan’s provincial program. He remembers
winning silver at the 2015 Baseball Canada Cup in Saskatoon as being a big
thing as Saskatchewan had won just one medal – a silver in 2011- in 18 years
previous at that event.
“Going in
it was kind of we were hosting it, and if we do good, that would be cool,” said
Hofmann. “I don’t think anybody really expected us to go as far as we did.
“Obviously,
we faced B.C. in the final, and they were really, really good that year. I
think still even a silver medal for Saskatchewan and we were hosting it was
really awesome to see.”
Ultimately,
Hofmann thought that silver medal finish paved the way for Saskatchewan’s gold
medal wins in 2016 and 2017.
 |
| Logan Hofmann, left, likes coaching baseball camp in Saskatchewan. |
“A silver
medal, it is tough to build off of, but at the same time, one more win and you
have gold.”
Greg Brons,
who is the high performance director for Baseball Saskatchewan, said what
Hofmann has been able to accomplish is inspiring for young players in the
province.
“It gives
kids the idea that if they work hard the ultimate dream of playing the game
professionally can really happen,” said Brons. “Logan is someone players in
minor baseball in Saskatchewan can really look up to.
“When he is
in the city he often comes back to workout with our academy players and our
players benefit from his success as he puts Saskatchewan on the baseball map.”
Brons said
it is special when Hofmann comes back to the province and helps out the younger
generation.
“It is no
surprise that he is willing to do this,” said Brons. “He is a typical athlete
from Saskatchewan – raised right and wanting to give back.
 |
| Logan Hofmann has his sights set on an MLB future. |
Hofmann
developed strong command of four pitches in his fastball, change-up, curveball
and slider. He aims to keep fine tuning all aspects of his game looking towards
spring training in 2021.
“I am just
getting stronger and also focusing on the mental game of baseball now too just
because it is such a big part of it,” said Hofmann. “I am kind of improving
everything a little bit every day and just working to prepare for next year.”
