Jake Bauers arrived at Marina High School in Huntington Beach as a senior in 2013, a year that would define his early baseball pedigree. He posted a staggering 48 hits and batted .571, a performance that caught the eye of scouts despite not having played varsity baseball until his junior year.
That late start did not hinder his ascent. After being selected by the San Diego Padres in the seventh round of the 2017 draft, Bauers climbed through the minor leagues and made his major‑league debut before joining the Milwaukee Brewers, where he has become a steady presence at first base. In his current season he has already hit 21 home runs, a testament to his resilience and the extra work he puts in each day.
Off the field, Bauers’ life has taken on a different rhythm. He is married to Lauren Carr, his high school sweetheart, and the couple shares two young children. Their family life anchors him amid the grind of a 162‑game schedule.
A California Connection
The Brewers’ locker room reflects a broader Southern California connection. Alongside Bauers, teammates such as Trevor Megill, Joey Ortiz, Brice Turang, Garrett Mitchell and Christian Yelich all hail from the Golden State, creating a network of familiar faces that stretches back to high school fields and summer leagues.
The team’s recent drafts have added another layer of regional ties. The club selected the Ebel brothers, Brady and Trey, from Corona, further cementing a pipeline that links California high schools to the big leagues.
Reflecting on his journey, Bauers emphasizes the value of practice and perspective. “You have to keep working,” he says, echoing advice he once received from Turang, who told young athletes that daily effort is the only reliable path to success.