Get to Know Your 'Birds...Oliver Drake
At the Naval Academy, there is a regimented scheduled that must be followed by all midshipmen. It took some getting used to for Shorebirds starting pitcher Oliver Drake when he first arrived in Annapolis, Maryland. Each day starts with an early wake up call and formation at 7:00 AM. After formation, Drake went to class from 8:00-2:30 PM. After class, it was off to baseball practice. After practice ended around dinner time, Drake recalled grabbing a bite to eat and then heading back to the barracks to study and prepare for the next days class schedule. As time wore on at the US Naval Academy, Drake began to adjust to his schedule.
The Gardner, Massachusetts native was a standout pitcher and hockey player at Northfield Mount Herman High School. He was recruited by Navy out of high school and fell in love with all aspects of the program.
"I liked the coaches, I liked the campus, it's a special place, not many people get the opportunity to attend the Naval Academy, so I was honored," Said Oliver Drake.
In his freshman year at Navy, he posted a 3-3 record with a 3.22 ERA. In 67.0 innings pitched, Drake recorded 52 strikeouts, a Navy freshman record. Drake also tossed two complete games.
Drake burst onto the radar in 2008 during his sophomore campaign at Navy. In 80.2 innings, he led the Patriot League in strikeouts with 78. In 80.2 innings, he walked only 22 batters.
Life changed dramatically in June of 2008 when the Orioles, who had been keeping a very close eye on Drake, tabbed him with their 43rd round selection in the First Year Player Draft. Drake pitched that summer for Youse's Maryland Orioles, a summer collegiate team coached by Orioles scout Dean Albany.
He was faced with a difficult decision - should he sign with the Orioles or should he stay at the Naval Academy. Midshipmen don't sign the five-year military obligation until the first week of their junior year. The first two years at the academy are free for all midshipmen and without a military commitment.
"Oliver was at a crossroads in his life," Navy coach Paul Kostacopoulos told the Baltimore Examiner. "He took a huge leap in his progress the last 24 months, and he turned into a legitimate pro prospect. He just came to the realization that he could not pursue baseball any farther if he stayed at the Naval Academy."
Drake decided to sign with the Baltimore Orioles under the condition that the Orioles agree to pay for his last five semesters so he could complete his degree in quantitative economics.
"It was a very difficult decision, I loved my two years at the Naval Academy, but once it came time to decide I realized that baseball is what I want to pursue," Said an emotional Drake.
Through four starts with the Shorebirds, Drake is off to a great start in his second professional season. He is 1-1 with an ERA of 2.50.
Although he no longer has formation at 7:00 in the morning, the discipline that he learned through his years in Annapolis, will no doubt help him in route to the Baltimore and a spot in the Orioles starting rotation.