Drake Baldwin: A Historic Win for Braves' Rookie Catcher

Drake Baldwin, the Braves' standout catcher, just made history. He's the first catcher in over a decade to snag the National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award. This isn't just any win—it's a big deal.

A Rare Achievement

Only six other catchers have ever won this award in the NL. The last one was Buster Posey back in 2010. Baldwin's win also makes him the second Braves catcher to take home this prize, following Earl Williams' victory way back in 1971.

Braves' Strong Track Record

The Braves have a solid track record with rookie awards. This win marks the tenth time a Braves player has been honored with this award. That's a lot!

The team's history with this award goes back to their days in Boston, with Alvin Dark and Sam Jethroe winning it in 1948 and 1950, respectively. Even though the Braves didn't win any awards during their time in Milwaukee, they've made up for it in Atlanta. Other notable winners include Bob Horner, David Justice, and more recently, Michael Harris II in 2022.

A Unanimous Victory

Baldwin's win was unanimous. Every single ballot had his name on it. That's a pretty impressive feat.

The voting process is interesting. Writers from each NL city cast their votes, and the points are tallied in a specific way. First place gets seven points, second gets four, and so on. This system ensures that the winner truly stands out among their peers.

Dominance in Voting

Looking at the voting breakdown, Baldwin's dominance is clear. He got the most first-place votes, with 21 out of 30. The next closest rookie, Cade Horton from the Cubs, only got nine first-place votes. This shows just how much Baldwin stood out this season.

A Tribute to Jackie Robinson

Winning this award isn't just about personal achievement. It's a tribute to Jackie Robinson, a baseball legend who broke barriers in the sport. Baldwin's win is a reminder of the impact rookies can have and the legacy they carry forward.