Donovan Drake made his professional debut in the 2012 season, signing with the Windy City ThunderBolts. He waited to join the team until after he completed his final season with the University of Indianapolis. In his senior year with the Greyhounds Drake was able to strike out 106 batters in his time on the mound, posting a 9-3 record on the year with a 1.67 ERA. Drake was named First Team All America by the American Baseball Coaches Association, named the Midwest Region Pitcher of the Year, and named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year. Before playing in college Drake played at Whiteland Community High School.