Last summer, Hollenbeck was drafted in the 14th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the Boston Red Sox. As a senior at Joliet Township High School (Illinois), he earned a Joliet Herald News First Team selection and Chicago Tribune Second Team selection after hitting .495 with eight home runs and 40 RBI. As a junior, Hollenbeck hit .449 with eight home runs and 44 RBI.

Mallards Field Manager Greg Labbe thinks Hollenbeck’s left-handed bat will help win certain matchups throughout the summer.“Mike was one of the most talented catchers coming out of high school last year,” said Labbe. “He has a chance to be an above average defender, but I think where he will contribute extensively for us is in the batter’s box. Adding a left-handed hitting catcher with power to your lineup really gives you a chance to match-up against other teams with your lineup. Mike has really done well so far this season for Illinois State, but he is hungry to improve and I know he will get that chance with us this summer.”