SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Steven Karkenny, a cornerstone of The Master’s College baseball team for the past four years, was selected in the 19th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday morning. Karkenny was the 571st overall pick in this year’s MLB draft.

“I’m very excited and very thankful that the Lord has provided this opportunity,” commented Karkenny. “I’m thankful for my time playing at The Master’s College and for coach [Monte] Brooks being there to help develop me as a baseball player and become a man of the Lord. I’m very excited to see what the Lord has planned for this next stage of my life.”

In 2015, Karkenny, a three-time All-GSAC selection, paced the club in six offensive categories: runs (57), home runs (11), slugging percentage (.669), on-base percentage (.488), OPS (1.157) and stolen bases (30). The righthander also distinguished himself on the mound, notching a staff-high eight saves to go along with a miniscule 0.59 earned-run average.

The Mustang outfielder etched his name in TMC’s baseball record book over the past four years, becoming the program’s all-time leader in hits (255), total bases (430), RBI (187), doubles (64), hit by pitches (54), and at-bats (751). Karkenny is also No. 2 on TMC’s career home run list with 33 roundtrippers (Brett Jaime 34, 2002-05).

Academically, Karkenny earned GSAC & NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors for the last two years. In addition, Karkenny was recently named to the 2014-15 Capital One Academic All-America College Division Baseball Team and was a two-time recipient of the Capital One Academic All-District Baseball team award (2013, 15)

Karkenny will be eagerly awaiting his assignment in the Brewers’ minor league organization.

“Working through the minor leagues will be a lot of work, but I’m excited as it will be worth it to see what God has planned. It’s all about giving everything you got, working hard, honoring the Lord with your efforts, and letting Him take care of the rest.”

TMC baseball head coach Monte Brooks commented on Karkenny by saying, “Steven is a tremendously gifted athlete and one of the greatest baseball players to come out of The Master’s College and the Golden State Athletic Conference. He is a diligent worker, an intelligent player, and a man of great faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. We are thrilled for Steven’s opportunity to be a part of the Milwaukee Brewers organization.”

Notably, Karkenny’s signing now lifts TMC’s number of baseball players who have received professional contracts over the years to 37.

To view an entire list of the 2015 MLB selections, click here.