Former Nighthawk Bear Madliak Selected by Athletics in 2026 MLB Draft
The Kansas State catcher spent part of the 2023 season with Upper Valley.
The Athletics selected former Upper Valley Nighthawks catcher Bear Madliak in the 18th round, 531st overall, of the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday.
The former Kansas State University slugger spent part of the 2023 season with the Nighthawks, appearing in eight contests.
In 52 games in his final season for the Wildcats, the 23-year-old slashed .310/.414/.550, posting a .964 OPS. Madliak smacked nine home runs, earning a spot on the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention list.
The Atlanta, Georgia native began his college career at Jacksonville State University before transferring to Kansas State prior to the 2025 season.
Madliak was one of three catchers selected by the Athletics, joining University of Miami backstop Alex Sosa (6th round, 172 overall) and San Diego State University catcher Anthony Marnell IV (20th round, 591 overall).