Apr 03, 2026
3 min read
On a night celebrating his success, Drake Baldwin delivered the highlight, hitting his first home run during Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Truist Park.
Drake Baldwin jon on Bobblehead Night it during the Braves they fell 5-2 in front of the Athletics
Drake Baldwin gave Braves fans exactly what they came to see in the first inning.
On a night celebrating his success, the young catcher provided a special moment with a home run in his first at-bat in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Truist Park.
For Baldwin, it's not about trying to live.It just happens.
"I don't go out there expecting to hit a home run," Baldwin said after the game."I'm just trying to take a good approach and put the best swing on the ball. I got the pitch to hit and pop out."
The home run was Baldwin's third in the first five games of the 2026 season, and it was a night filled with milestones.
Before the game, Baldwin was honored for his 2025 National League Rookie of the Year season. It was also his first bobblehead night.
"It was really cool," Baldwin said."I have family and friends here. You try to take it."
And yes, it is.He approved of the bobblehead.
"I think they did a good job," he said with a smile.
The energy in the arena matched the moment.
Fans, including two children interviewed by CBS News Atlanta, erupted when Baldwin went deep.
"Drake Baldwin just hit a home run. Let's go!"screamed a young fan.
Others wore their No.30, which Baldwin says is still certain.
"You kind of dream of that," he said."To see people wearing your shirt or cheering you on, it says a lot about this point."
"He's such a great young star. His approach at the plate is incredible for a guy his age," added one longtime Braves fan.
Baldwin finished the night 1-4 with a home run, an RBI and a walk, continuing his strong start to the season.
His approach was simple.
"I'm just looking for good shots and trying to keep my momentum going," he said."Three balls found their way."
Even though the Braves' offense struggled Wednesday, Baldwin wasn't worried.
"It's baseball," he said.“You can't overreact to the first game.Some balls hit differently and things look completely different.''
Despite the loss, Baldwin appeared confident in the team and club.
"There's a lot of confidence in the kids in this room," he said."Everybody's going to race."
But for fans, Wednesday seemed like a largely scripted moment for the rising star and his delivery;His bobblehead home run of the night.
And for Baldwin, it's just the beginning.
“You want to go out and do your best work,” he said, “especially for the people who came to see you.”
