Braves Grab Missouri State Jr In 3rd Round Of The 2022 MLB Draft

For many of us who have ever played sports in high school or college, you may have had a dream to play professionally. For those who have the talent, there are worse ways to make a living.

Well, one Missouri State Bears junior catcher may get that opportunity. His name is Drake Baldwin, and he was just drafted by the World Champion Atlanta Braves in the 3rd round of the 2022 MLB draft.

Get our free mobile app

Baldwin is coming off a breakout junior year as the Bears' catcher in Springfield and will likely be the 151st MSU player to play professionally. He's the highest Bear to be selected since Jeremy Eierman was taken by the Oakland Athletics in the second round with the 70th overall pick in 2018. You can read a little bit more HERE.

He had some solid numbers in his junior year. Baldwin batted .341 with 19 home runs and 70 RBI for the Bears in 2022 with multiple hits 26 times and two-plus RBI on 17 occasions as well as a trio of multi-homer games. He lead the Bears with with a .448 on-base percentage and reached safely in 57 of 60 contests, including a 30-game streak, and his RBI total tied for seventh in school history for a season. He is also MSU's career fielding percentage leader at .994. With those numbers, it is no wonder that the Braves took a shot by picking him in the 3rd round.

Catcher is one of the most difficult positions to play on a baseball field. You are controlling the game, managing pitchers, etc. If he can put up the numbers that he did for his junior year, he has a great chance to make it to the big leagues. #BearsUnite

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.