Drake Baldwin homers on his Bobblehead Night as Braves fall 5-2 to Athletics

Drake Baldwin gave Braves followers precisely what they got here to see within the first inning.

On an evening celebrating his success, the younger catcher delivered a spotlight second, launching a house run in his first at-bat throughout Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Truist Park.

For Baldwin, it wasn’t about attempting to dwell up to the second. It simply occurred.

“I don’t really go up there expecting to hit a home run,” Baldwin stated after the sport. “I’m just trying to have a good approach and put the best swing on the ball. I got a pitch to hit and got it out.”

The residence run, which was Baldwin’s third within the first 5 video games of the 2026 season, got here on an evening filled with milestones.

Before the sport, Baldwin was honored for his 2025 National League Rookie of the Year season. It was additionally his first bobblehead night time.

“It was really cool,” Baldwin stated. “I had family and friends here. It’s something you just try to take in.”

And sure, I’ve accepted the bobblehead.

“I think they did a good job,” he stated with a smile.

The power within the stadium matched the second.

Fans, together with two youngsters CBS News Atlanta spoke to within the stands, erupted when Baldwin went deep.

“Drake Baldwin just hit a home run. Let’s go!” one younger fan shouted.

Others proudly wore his No. 30 jersey, one thing Baldwin says nonetheless feels surreal.

“You kind of dream of that,” he stated. “Seeing people wear your jersey or cheer you on, it says a lot about this fan base.”

“He’s such a great young star. His approach at the plate is incredible for a guy his age,” A longtime Braves fan added.

Baldwin completed the night time 1-for-4 with a house run, an RBI, and a stroll, persevering with his sturdy begin to the season.

His strategy has been easy.

“Just looking for good pitches to hit and trying to get my swing off,” he stated. “Three balls have found their way out.”

Even as the Braves’ offense struggled at occasions Wednesday, Baldwin is not involved.

“It’s baseball,” he stated. “You can’t overreact to the first few games. A couple balls fall a different way, and things look completely different.”

Despite the loss, Baldwin appeared assured within the lineup and clubhouse.

“There’s a lot of trust in the guys in this room,” he stated. “Everyone’s going out there competing.”

For followers, although, Wednesday was concerning the rising star and him delivering a second that felt nearly scripted; a house run on his bobblehead night time.

And for Baldwin, it is just the start.

“You want to go out there and put on your best performance,” he stated, “especially for the people who came to see you.”