2009 Saint Viator grad drafted by San Francisco Giants

Brett Kay, a 2009 graduate of Saint Viator High School, was selected in the 20th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft, by the defending World Series champion — the San Francisco Giants.

After guiding the Illinois State Redbirds to its most successful regular season in program history, Brett was among four senior Redbirds selected Saturday.

Brett spent four years as the Illinois State starter at shortstop. As a senior, he was named Defensive MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference, while compiling an impressive offensive resume as well.

During his senior year, he batted .301 in 58 starts for the Redbirds, including hitting three home runs and added 35 RBIs. He slugged nine doubles and three triples, all while stealing 10-of-11 bases.

Brett still holds the Illinois State baseball record for career sacrifice-bunts (36) and over his collegiate career, he tallied 35 career stolen bases.

At Saint Viator, Brett set single season records in batting average (.456), triples (7), hits (53) and stolen bases (23).

“As you can see, Brett is one of the best players to walk through our doors,” says his former coach, Mike Manno, who continues to coach varsity baseball and serve as assistant athletic director at Saint Viator.

“Not only is he a great player, but a better person,” Coach Manno adds. “His work ethic is second to none. He deserves everything he has gotten. I couldn’t be prouder of a young man that had a dream since he was little, and now that dream has come alive. It’s all because of hard work.”

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