June 6, 2012

NEW YORK - For the second straight season, Kevin McKague was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. McKague, who was picked up in the 50th round last season, was a 23rd-round selection by the Braves this year.

McKague, who was named the Patriot League Player of the Year this season after ranking among the conference leaders in virtually all of the major offensive categories, was taken with the 719th pick in this year's draft. He joins J.T. Watkins, who was selected with a 10th-round pick by the Boston Red Sox, as the two Black Knights taken in this year's draft.

A native of Fayetteville, N.C., McKague was a four-time all-league selection during his standout baseball career at West Point. He graduated last month as the program's all-time leader in base hits (283), doubles (55), multiple-hit games (87), total bases (414), games played (210), games started (207), times hit by pitch (39) and at-bats (796). McKague also holds program marks for career saves (27) and single-season saves (13 in 2010).

A 2012 Louisville Slugger All-American, McKague led the Patriot League with a .379 batting average, a .475 on-base percentage, 75 base hits, 16 doubles and 106 total bases. He also ranked tied for third in the conference with five home runs.

A semifinalist for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, McKague also served as Army's closer in 2012. He finished the campaign with a 1-0 record to go along with a 1.46 earned run average and five saves in 12.1 innings pitched over 11 appearances. He had 12 strikeouts and opponents batted a paltry .182 against the hard-throwing righty.