Jeff Hoffman wasn’t the only Section II product to hear his name called during this weekend’s Major League Baseball Draft.

While the flamethrower from Shaker was a big focal point of the draft’s first day, going ninth overall, three more Capital Region players were drafted.

Branden Cogswell of Shen was taken in the 7th round by the A's (Photo courtesy of Virginia athletics).
Branden Cogswell of Shen was taken in the 7th round by the A's (Photo courtesy of Virginia athletics).
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Shenendehowa graduate and first-team all-ACC second baseman Branden Cogswell was taken in the 7th round (222nd overall) by the Oakland Athletics while Colonie native Brian O’Keefe (St. Joseph’s) was taken in the same round just three picks later by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Siena College ace and Broadalbin-Perth grad Matt Gage was taken in the 10th round by the San Francisco Giants.

All three selections are juniors this season and have the option to return to their respective schools if they don’t sign.

Cogswell is in the midst of helping the University of Virginia advance to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. The Cavaliers are tied 1-1 in the best-of-three series with the University of Maryland.

Cogswell is hitting .294 with a .393 on-base percentage and has the eye and plate discipline that is characteristic of a Billy Beane led team.

O’Keefe hit .350 with seven homers and 43 RBIs while being a solid defensive catcher.

Gage helped the Saints advance to the NCAA tournament this season. He pitched nine innings, allowing just six hits and one earned run against TCU in the Saints opening game. He matched Horned Frog ace Brandon Finnegan throughout. Finnegan was drafted 17th overall by the Royals.

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