Samuel Cropp '24 Recruiting Profile

       I have been playing baseball since I was 5 years old. I've always had a love for the sport, but recently it has grown dramatically. I've decided that I have an interest in finding an opportunity to play at the next level. If I were to pick a few areas that I'm strong in, they would be; judging the ball, mental toughness, covering ground with speed, work ethic, being dedicated to a team, and being a leader.

       In my first two years of my high school career, I've been the guy that has blown the big play in a sectional final game, and the guy to make the play that sends a team to a state championship. | feel like I've reached the highest and lowest points mentally and emotionally. This gives me an advantage over other athletes because I’ve had to perform on the biggest stage as a young player. This has also put a fire inside of me to do anything and everything to return to state. Other players may not have had the opportunity I’ve had, but my success and failures up to this point set me apart. I feel dominant on the mental side of the game from my experiences in my first two years of play.

      On top of baseball, I play football and basketball. I'm in sports year round, but that hasn't stopped me from keeping my skills in tact. During the off-season, I hit on the weekends and throw to keep my arm healthy. I'm sure that most athletes say they've got a great work ethic. When I say it, I mean it. I believe that my work ethic sets me apart from other players. 3-4 times a week, I go to the gym in the morning before school and hit. I invite some of my teammates in each time to give them the chance to improve their game also. 1-2 days a week, I visit the baseball field and take BP with some teammates. Other nights and weekends, I visit another batting cage that has lights, and I get a session in at night. I understand what it means to be a team player, and that it takes a whole team to be successful. I make opportunities daily for my teammates to get better. I often get comments along the lines of, "You don't need to hit all the time" and, "take a break". I understand that to get to the next level, you have to be different. I also understand the team aspect of baseball. It takes everyone, not just myself. I make it a priority to stay consistent with baseball.

       In the classroom, I pay attention and study hard. I maintain a high GPA and a spot on the A honor roll. I currently take classes at Western Technical College to raise the difficulty of my schooling. I want to attend a college where I can push myself at baseball and in the classroom. I desire to go to a college and get a degree in education. I hope to become a role model at the campus I attend.