Former WIAA hockey player had a sensational rookie season in Major League Baseball

In an era when kids, particularly hockey players, specialize in one sport, Drake Baldwin, the Atlanta Braves sensational rookie catcher, is a throwback to the days of past. Drake grew up in Madison and played just about every youth sport, and he was a multiple sport athlete for Madison West High School.

In addition to being an elite baseball player, Drake was an exceptional hockey player in high school. Drake led the WIAA in goals his junior and senior seasons, he was twice named First Team All-State by the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association, and he was Big 8 Conference Player of the Year.

Drake graduated from Madison West in 2019 and departed Wisconsin for the Show-Me state. Drake showed the MLB scouts what he was made of while playing for Missouri State. There he was named MVP, conference all-tournament team, all-region first team, scholar athlete first team, won an academic excellence award, and was an honor roll student.

The Atlanta Braves took notice and selected Drake Baldwin in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Drake played three seasons in the Braves minor league system before making the Braves opening day roster in 2025.

Drake completed his remarkable first season with the Atlanta Braves just a couple days ago. He got stronger as the season went on, and finished with 19 home runs, 80 runs batted in, and an on-base percentage of .341. His stellar performance places him as one of the top candidates to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

“Whenever I think of Drake, he is the most humble person. He is so down to earth and such a family guy. Wherever he goes he has a smile on his face that lights up a room. He is just such a good person.” Garrett Larsen, Team Wisconsin teammate, and current WIAA assistant coach for Waukesha Wings

“When we were on trips, we would take team walks just to keep the guys moving. We would bring a football. Drake could throw a football 60 yards no problem. Tight spiral. Definitely the best athlete I have ever coached in hockey.” Brad Byce, Team Wisconsin Coach

Let’s hear from Drake Baldwin!

Congratulations on the spectacular rookie season with the Atlanta Braves! Thank you. It was a lot of fun.

Do you ever wake up in the morning and pinch yourself thinking it’s a dream? I mean the first couple of days were surreal! Playing in front of that many fans. After a while I started to get more comfortable. It is something you dream about as a kid. Then you’re there. In a couple of days (now that the MLB season is over) it will kick in. It was a crazy experience. But when you are playing, you are locked in.

What’s the hardest part of being an MLB catcher? Probably the scouting reports, learning the pitchers, adjusting on the fly.

What makes an elite MLB catcher? Being consistent. Defensively and offensively. You need to simplify it, categorize it…switch it on and off between offense and defense.

What is one of your best attributes? Being able to make contact with the ball.

Do you study each opposing batter for their weakness? Yes, we review scouting reports.

Do you make the calls for pitches? Yes. I make all the calls.

Where did you grow up? Madison, Wisconsin. I went to Madison West High School.

Where did you play youth hockey? I played for the Polar Caps, Madison Capitols in middle school, and then Team Wisconsin 9th through 11th grades and West HS all four years.

What sports did you play as a kid? Baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer. A little bit of everything.

Did you have a favorite sport as a kid? Whatever one I was playing at the moment!

How did you start playing hockey? I was around 5 or 6 years old. My neighbor played and they skated on Lake Wingra. After that I took skating lessons at Madison Ice Arena. Then I started playing mites for Polar Caps and really loved it.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? No

What’s your greatest hockey memory? We won a couple tournaments with Team Wisconsin, one in Pittsburgh I remember, and we were runner-up at USA Hockey Nationals (2018 TW U16) that same season.

How did playing hockey help you as a baseball player? Toughness and hand eye coordination. Focusing on the play rather than worrying about a bruise or getting hit.

Do you think playing multiple sports in high school is beneficial for kids? 100%. I think kids should play multiple sports as long as they can. Don’t specialize until later.

You were offered a baseball scholarship to Missouri State summer after 10th grade; if you would have been offered a hockey scholarship which sport would you have chosen? That would be a tough decision. I enjoyed both. With baseball I went directly to college, but hockey you go to juniors before college. Baseball is a more direct route.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My Mom. She was always there for me…giving me support and the opportunities I had were because of her.

If you didn’t make it to pro sports, what career would you have chosen? I majored in business. Probably something in the business world. Communicating with people.

What do you enjoy outside of baseball? There’s not much time during the season. But I like to golf and go fishing.

What type of fish? Whatever is biting! Pan fish, bass.

Where is your dream vacation? Maybe somewhere in Europe for a golf trip.

What’s your favorite type of music? Country. I am cool with all types of music.

Pickup truck or sports car? Pickup truck. Toyota Tundra.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie with ice cream.

What advice do you have for kids that want to play sports after high school? Enjoy every day. Make the most of every game and practice. Work as hard as you can, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Always have fun.

Congratulations to Drake Baldwin for a spectacular rookie season with the Braves!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey