Mom's pride: Drake Baldwin's All-Star dream comes true

Drake Baldwin is set to achieve a significant career milestone as he starts behind the plate for the National League in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. The game will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This personal achievement is particularly meaningful as his mother, Bridgette Baldwin, will be present to witness his first All-Star appearance. She initially introduced him to baseball by enrolling him in T-ball in Madison, Wisconsin, more than twenty years prior.

Baldwin, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, has experienced a rapid ascent in Major League Baseball. After debuting with Atlanta, he quickly established himself as a top young catcher. His skills, including strong defense, effective game-calling, and a productive offense, secured his starting position for the National League All-Stars. He has become a vital player for the Braves, providing stability and contributing to their status as National League contenders.

Baldwin acknowledged that reaching the MLB All-Star level was beyond his expectations, recalling his experience in a 2021 collegiate summer league All-Star Game as a significant achievement at the time. His progression from Missouri State to the Braves, who drafted him in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, has surpassed all predictions. Now, with his mother watching, he will compete alongside baseball's elite, fulfilling a dream that began on a Wisconsin T-ball field.