|
|
|
|
|
Crossman’s Double Header:
Baseball and Dean’s List
“Donny truly epitomizes the student-athlete at CCSU,” said baseball head coach Charlie Hickey. “He is a Dean’s List student balancing the demands of Division I athletics while still participating in campus life.” In the classroom Crossman has been a Dean’s List student five times. He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in technology education and plans on entering the professional program next year. “I came to CCSU because it offered a major in technology education,” said Crossman. “I didn’t want to give up my career goal or baseball.” “I have observed Donny presenting information to his peers in both formal and informal settings and do not doubt his potential to be a fine teacher,” said Dr. Patrick Foster, associate professor of technology education. Crossman came to CCSU after playing baseball and basketball at The Gilbert School in Winsted, CT. When he is at home for the summer, he helps organize and run a weeklong church-sponsored athletics program for children aged 3–12. He also serves as a recreation counselor for the town. In his first year with the Blue Devils, he played in 31 games in the outfield, making 17 starts. He batted .192 his first season. He appeared on the mound 12 times during his freshman season, branding an 0-1 record and a 5.91 ERA. During his freshman year he hit his lone collegiate home run and had five RBI’s. In his sophomore year he was plagued by a late season injury. Prior to being hurt he appeared in six games on the mound where he finished the season with a 5.00 ERA. “Donny came into his own last year. After rebounding from a freak injury, he played a key set-up role for the NEC championship team,” said Hickey. Last season, Crossman posted a 4-2 record with a 4.05 ERA and all but one of his appearances was in relief. In 33.1 innings pitched he allowed 15 earned runs and 35 hits, struck out 25 batters and walked only 15. “Winning the Northeast Conference Championships was an unbelievable thing, and getting to play in front of 8,000 people in Texas in the NCAA tournament is something you can’t experience playing in the Northeast,” Crossman said. Going into his senior season Crossman averages a 4.83 ERA for his career. In 63.1 innings pitched he has allowed 65 hits and 34 earned runs, striking out 40 batters. He holds a 5-3 record on the mound in 36 appearances. “Coach can bring out another level of intensity in you that you can’t do on your own,” said Crossman about coach Hickey. “He makes you realize your potential and doesn’t let you stop until you get there.” — Daniel Ruede |
For Donny Crossman, baseball has been a key
ingredient in his collegiate experience. But Crossman’s education ranks
just as high. A senior, right-handed pitcher and outfielder on the Blue
Devil baseball team, Crossman is a Dean’s List technology education
major, who plans to become a teacher.