Drake Cooke of North Muskegon High School isn’t the biggest player on our “2011 Players to Watch”, but as he heads into his third season leading the Norsemen, he definitely belongs in this elite company.

“Despite his small stature, Drake has a big heart” said North Muskegon head coach Warren Kent III.

“He cares about his teammate, he cares about the baseball program and he cares about North Muskegon.”

In 2009, as one of only two sophomores on the varsity, Cooke was selected the team’s Most Improved Player as he started every game, filled the #5 spot in the batting order and was steady both as a catcher and in the outfield. His potential for leadership showed with a big home run in the first district game against Muskegon Catholic.

“Drake is a born leader. He’s not overly vocal, but he lets his work ethic demonstrate to his teammates how important baseball is” said Coach Kent. “Even with 10 seniors returning this season, his teammates know that it is he who will lead the team to whatever success the team has.”

Last season, Cooke broke out at the plate while batting clean-up, hitting .359 with an On-Base% of .455. He cracked the North Muskegon record book as well with 11 doubles (#8 all-time), 103 at bats were good for (#10 all-time) and 7 sacrifices for #4 all-time.

Cooke was honorable mention All-Area as a sophomore and was honorable mention All-Conference, second team All-Area and first team All-District as a junior.

He won the team’s Golden Glove Award behind the plate while throwing out 20 would-be base stealers.

“Drake will continue to carry on the great tradition of quality catchers at North Muskegon” said Coach Kent. “As a three-year starter, he understands the demands of the position and the importance that the role of catcher has on the success for the team.”

A three-sport star at North Muskegon, Cooke is a three-year varsity player in football (where he is the starting quarterback), basketball and baseball.

However, it’s baseball where he expects to play in college – but first he will lead a strong Norsemen team in 2011!