SEATTLE – The MLB draft concluded on Tuesday with rounds 11-20, and UIC catcher Cole Conn was selected in the 12^th round by the Oakland Athletics, with the 346^th overall pick.

Flames catcher Cole Conn has been selected in the 12th round by the @Athletics!

Congratulations Cole! ????#FireUpFlames pic.twitter.com/kAc8VjqBq2

— UIC Baseball ???? (@UIC_Baseball) July 11, 2023

 
"I am very excited to start my professional career with the Oakland Athletics," commented Conn Tuesday. "I wouldn't be able to get to where I am without the support I've had from everyone along the way, especially coach McDermott and the rest of the coaching staff at UIC. I want to thank everyone at UIC for giving me the opportunity to come play baseball and achieve my dream that we talked about during the recruiting process. It truly was a blessing."
 
"I'm so excited for and proud of Cole," commented head coach Sean McDermott. "His leadership on the field was infectious, and he is an excellent student and teammate. He has carried on the UIC tradition of elite defensive catchers. I'm especially proud that Cole grew up and developed in our program. It's a testament to Cole's drive and commitment to his craft. It is further proof that you can get there from here!"
 
Conn, a St. Charles, Ill. native, played three seasons in Chicago for the Flames, batting .273 in over 500 at bats. He started 51 of 53 of UIC's games in 2023 behind the plate, sporting a .986 fielding percentage. The junior fielded over .980 for his entire three-year career at UIC, making only 14 errors in over 800 chances. He rounded out his Flames career by being named to the 2023 MVC All-Tournament Team.