MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois senior pitcher Brian Loconsole was selected in the 20th round (607th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday (June 8). Loconsole is the first Leatherneck baseball player to be selected in the top 20 rounds of the MLB Draft since Brad Owens was taken in the 16th round in 1992.

The Carol Stream, Ill. native, who did not play baseball in high school, is the single season and career saves leader at Western Illinois after notching nine saves this year. Loconsole finished the season second in the league in saves and also tied for fourth in the league with a team high, 22 appearances.

“I am just taken back by it all; it is such a great experience and honor to be drafted by the Angels,” Loconsole said. “To go from being cut from my high school baseball team, to having a successful Division I career and now having a chance to play professional baseball is almost surreal.” 

The righty posted a 3-2 record in 2013 with 23 strikeouts in 28.1 innings of work. He was also named the Summit League 'Pitcher of the Week' on March 25 of this season after picking up two saves during the series at Michigan. 

In his three years on the mound for the Leathernecks, Loconsole made 40 appearances totaling 54.1 innings. He ended his Leatherneck playing career with 37 strikeouts to go along with his record nine career saves. 

Loconsole is scheduled to report to Tempe, Ariz. next weekend to begin his journey with the Angels organization.

“This is just the first chapter for me and it is great to know that I'll have the opportunity to write my own book. I know it will be a lot of hard work down the road but with family and friends giving me all their support I know that the sky is the limit,” Loconsole added.

To view Loconsole's Leatherneck bio, click HERE.