Crocker's dream comes true

Ever since Kyle Crocker was a youngster he wanted to wear maroon and gold.

• Photos

Tuesday, his dream came true as he signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent to play baseball for the University of Minnesota in 2011.

The Brainerd High School three-sport standout, one of the leaders in the Warriors' run to the state football semifinals this fall, said it wasn't difficult to decide which sport he wanted to play in college.

"I've wanted to play baseball forever," he said. "And, it's the school I've wanted to go to ever since I was little.

"My family's really excited. They're really happy for me, they're proud of me."

Grandfather John Kirk (left), mother Mary Rose Crocker and father Bruce Crocker (far right) watched as Kyle Crocker signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent Tuesday to play for the University of Minnesota baseball team. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey» Purchase reprints of this photo.

Last summer, the shortstop-pitcher was invited to the Junior Showcase in Burnsville where the Gophers watched him play. Prospects played games against each other in the two-day event.

Warriors coach Lowell Scearcy contacted Gophers assistant head coach Rob Fornasiere last spring and alerted him that Crocker might be a player Minnesota would be interested in looking at.

"I know Rob from quite a while ago," Scearcy said. "I got a hold of him about Kyle last spring, then Kyle went to the Junior Showcase and they had a chance to watch him play. They talked to him and watched him a couple times last summer, and obviously they liked what they saw.

"They had very good things to say about what they saw in Kyle, not only as a player, but also that he's a good kid."

As a sophomore Crocker started at second base for the Warriors. He hit a team-high .419 with 22 runs, 15 RBIs, two doubles, a triple and just four strikeouts in 62 at bats. He went 8-for-9 in stolen base attempts.

Last spring he again led the team in hitting (.451) with 25 runs, 15 RBIs, four doubles, three triples and three home runs. He was 11-for-16 in stolen bases.

Kyle Crocker

High school: Brainerd

Year: Senior

Age: 18

Height: 6-1

Weight: 180

In addition, Crocker was the Warriors' top pitcher last season with an 8-2 record and 2.04 ERA. He had 37 strikeouts and walked just six in 48 innings. Opponents hit only .196 against him.

"He had a good spring pitching for us as well as being one of the better hitters in the conference," Scearcy said. "We're looking for him to get better and better.

"Obviously, he's a good player that has a lot of upside. I think what's even more important is that he handles (success) very well. He's a modest kid who just lets his playing speak for itself. He's well-liked by his teammates, he's well-liked by his coaches."

Crocker said the Gophers have told him they project him as a second baseman or outfielder.

"I would like to stay in the infield, but I'll play wherever they need me," he said.

Crocker said he will receive about a one-third scholarship and no decision has been made whether he will red-shirt as a freshman.

"They said they let the player decide (about red-shirting)," he said. "They said we'll talk next year about it."

MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.