Okotoks Daws 18U Black Academy player, Eric Hartman got his name called during the 2024 MLB draft and was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 20th round.
Shortly after getting picked by the Braves, he signed a deal with the organization and now is officially a part of the Braves.
Hartman who is 18 years old and comes from St. Albert, Alberta was also selected to play on Team Canada's Junior National Team.
"It's a dream come true, and I'm super grateful for just the opportunity and everyone who has helped me along the way," Hartman said.
"I was talking to a Braves scout before the draft, and I knew they had some interest in me. I was talking with the scout a lot before the draft, and he really liked me a lot. So, I would say it's always a surprise to see your name called but, I was expecting it a little. But it's always a surprise to see my name pop up there."
While a lot of players will play some college ball before getting drafted, Hartman is coming right out of high school and to be drafted at that age, the team really likes what they see and what they believe Hartman will develop into at the Pro level.
"Yeah, I would say it is a little different to be drafted out of high school, some guys do it, but some guys do take the college route just to give their bodies more time to develop and stuff. Either way, one you step into pro ball, the other you are more exposed with some college ball in you. Either way I think is a good option," he said.
Hartman not only comes with experience with the Dawgs Academy, but he has also played in games for the WCBL Okotoks Dawgs and put on a show during the 2023 WCBL playoffs. He would have eight at-bats in three games, picking up five RBIs, three hits, three runs, a double, and a home run. Hartman also appeared in six games during the 2024 WCBL season hitting a .438 batting average, five RBIs, four walks, five runs, seven hits, and a triple.
"It was unreal, it was a super different experience I would say. Just playing in front of all the fans definitely showed me what I think I want to do in my future. Just all the friendships I have built along the way with that team. The coaching is great there, they have fun, but one thing that makes it fun is how well we play together and just the winning. Just how everyone is determined there. I think I played better because you are not so much worried about stats and you are just worried about winning as a team," Hartman explained.
"I think when you put your own kind of personal stuff behind and you are only worried about winning with the team, I think that's when everyone comes together and plays a lot better."
Having the experience of playing in the WCBL with the Dawgs has helped Hartman grow as a player.
"I would say being surrounded by older guys and more experienced guys, they taught me more just the mental side, that it is ok to fail and be aggressive. If anything happens they have got your back and if you continue with that mentality, it's alright because everyone else will pick each other up. When you are not afraid to fail, that's when I think you are playing your best," he said.
Hartman continued to explain how in baseball you are inevitably going to have bad outcomes, but it's how you handle them that makes you a great player.
"I think you can do everything in your power and things till might not go your way. That's just the game of baseball and that's the tough thing about it. But it's an everyday sport so, you just got to be grateful every day you are playing. Wake up with a positive attitude and control what you can control. More often than not, you will win the day," Hartman added.
Hartman explained he got his first experience with the Dawgs Academy team when his older brother Max came down to Okotoks in grade nine. He said his brother wanted to go play ball at the next level and "here in Alberta, Okotoks is the place to go do that". His brother would end up going to play college ball and pro, Hartman saw the success of his brother and wanted to do the same thing in following the steps of his brother. He also added that his dad played a big influence on starting baseball as he had Eric and Max both playing tee-ball at a young age.
"The Dawgs have been everything to me, they have blessed me with a million opportunities and helped me continue to grow every day," he said.
Hartman also played hockey at a high level but decided after missing PeeWee AAA that he was going to focus more on baseball which has paid dividends for him. When comparing the two sports he added "I would say just the intensity part. For hockey, it's 60 minutes of just head down, adrenaline pumping. But I thought baseball was more romantic and I just like hanging out with my buddies in the dugout. I think it's just better for my mental health, you are just hanging out and you got to perform when you got to perform. But I think I just enjoyed the overall sport and environment more."
Once Hartman was picked by the Braves, the first people he talked to was his family.
"I was on a call with my parents and my brother. So, just my family. My parents were visiting my brother down in Washington where he was playing summer ball. I was just here at my house by myself. It was just unreal, just at a loss of words really and so were my parents. My brother was super happy for me, I think it's a lot of people's dreams to be drafted. It was a very happy day just for the family," he mentioned.