Getting drafted in baseball is tough, but getting to play in the major leagues is even harder. Here is a look at the players from the MAC – on NIU’s schedule – that could one day make an impact at a higher level.

Toledo’s Mitch Maier, catcher:

This weekend, Toledo travels to NIU and the Rockets will be led by junior catcher Mitch Maier. He hit .362 with 14 homers and 42 RBIs a year ago. This year he has the highest average of everyday players in the MAC at .460.

“We got Toledo coming in this weekend and their catcher, Mitch Maier, is probably as good as they come in the MAC,” NIU assistant coach Luke Sabers said. “He’s a guy that the last two years in the league has been great and he had a great summer in the Cape Cod league. He’s probably, if not the top player, one of the top five in the league. I think he’s definitely somebody to look for.”

The 6-foot-2 catcher was projected by Baseball America as Preseason Player of the Year in the MAC.

NIU pitcher Zach Minor shows a lot of respect to the junior catcher saying that when Maier comes to the plate with runners on and a base open, you have to pitch around him.

“Mitch Maier, I think, should be a top-five round pick,” Minor said. “He runs well, hits for power and hits for average.”

Eastern Michigan’s Brian Bixler, shortstop; and Ryan Goleski, outfielder:

Eastern Michigan also presents a pair of tough outs in shortstop Brian Bixler and outfielder Ryan Goleski.

Bixler, a sophomore, hit .320 last year with 12 homers and 47 RBIs en route to being named MAC Freshman of the Year.

“He seems like he could be a five-tool player,” NIU outfielder Dan Urban said.

He was voted to have the best arm for an infielder and be the best defensive shortstop in the league by Baseball America. His teammate, Goleski, was voted to have the best arm from the outfield.

Goleski shared the league lead in home runs (22) with Bowling Green’s first baseman Kelly Hunt a year ago.

Bowling Green’s Kelly Hunt, first baseman:

Hunt, last season’s MAC Player of the Year, will make an appearance in DeKalb from April 18 to 20.

This is the first year for Bowling Green to be in the MAC West, where Hunt will help the Falcons do battle with the Huskies.

The first baseman hit .402 and led the MAC in homers (22) and RBIs (84).

Early on this season, Hunt is hitting .350 with only two home runs and 10 RBIs.

“With Bowling Green, it’s going to be interesting because they haven’t been on our side [MAC West],” Sabers said. “They come here this year and we’re looking forward to playing Hunt and all those guys because they have a really good ballclub.”