Crosta's bat leads Broncos

By Adam Harper

After deciding the big-campus scene wasn't for him, junior outfielder Nic Crosta transferred his talents to the more personal environment of Santa Clara, where he has dominated offensively for the Broncos.

"I chose Santa Clara because here you are an actual person; at Texas, you are just a Social Security number," Crosta said, preferring not to elaborate on further details leading to his decision to transfer. à

The hard-hitting right-hander also attributes his choice of Santa Clara to the excellent coaching staff and how they made him feel welcome during his campus visit during the offseason.

"They have been outstanding, always making me feel appreciated," Crosta said.

Ever since he arrived at Santa Clara, Crosta has felt nothing but support and encouragement from his entire team.

"It is hard to be the new guy," Crosta said. "But here, even though it's only been about six months since I got here, it feels like two years."

Crosta's comfort level at Santa Clara has translated on the field. Crosta has supplied the team with a .374 batting average in 182 at-bats, leading the Broncos in both categories.àHe also is tied for first place on the team in both home runs and stolen bases with 11 and five respectably.

"He's been solid for us all year both in the field and at the plate and brings an experienced perspective to our club," Head Coach Mark O'Brien said.

Much of Crosta's success on the baseball diamond can be linked to his four years playing ball at Highline High School near Seattle. à

According to Highline Head Coach David Larson, Crosta was a "self-confident player who was always able to back up his talk."

As a high school freshman, Crosta already had enough talent to play on the varsity team, and by the time he was a sophomore, he was voted team MVP. à

"He had a poise about himself that made his teammates more confident," Larson said. "They really fed off his assurance."à

Crosta's coaches knew that he had the talent and passion to make it far in his baseball career.

As a player, Crosta had "the best work ethic I have ever seen," said Larson.

Soon enough, Crosta had college coaches drooling for his letter of commitment.

Out of high school, Crosta had scholarship offers from 10 Division I schools, including Arizona State, Stanford and Washington. à

ààààCrosta committed to Texas, yet soon realized he didn't belong in the city-sized campus of over 50,000 students. à

"I feel he got undeservedly back-burned at Texas," Larson said. "The coaches are pressured into playing the in-state guys. They are all about Texas down there. It gets kind of crazy." à

While at Texas, Crosta played in 15 games and batted .333 with nine runs scored, one double, two triples and five RBI.

According to a current Texas player wishing to remain unnamed, Crosta was a great player that just needed a chance to play with some regularity.

"He stood out as a guy who truly deserved to play based on talent," the source said. "I believe he will have a great future in baseball. He will require it of himself." à

Texas coaches declined comment. à

Crosta's efforts showed on the field, but he understands that patience is necessary to have your hard work pay off.

"A baseball season is more of a marathon than a sprint," Crosta said. "Working hard everyday is the only way you will be able to become better; to become the player you want to be."

"The coaches never had to tell Nic to take extra (batting practice)," Larson said. "He loved the game so much he never wanted to leave the field, sometimes requiring me to give him pop flies until the sky got dark." à

And now, Crosta has brought that love for the game here to Santa Clara baseball and the South Bay.

The University of Texas made its way to Omaha for the College World Series last year and now Crosta has brought that championship mentality to Santa Clara.

"The effort he displays rubs off on all the players, we know to watch and pay attention," teammate Michael Lange said.

Crosta has received many prestigious awards here at Santa Clara since putting on the Bronco uniform. à

In late April, he was named National Co-Hitter of the Week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, along with Miami's Richard Giannotti. He was also named National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball, and also became the West Coast Conference Player of the Week. à

While the accolades for Crosta's on-the-field efforts pile up like Kobe Bryant's court appearances, his teammates also value his leisure-time camaraderie. à

"He is always upbeat and easy going," said Crosta's roommate, junior outfielder Ryan Chiarelli. "He seems to always be thinking of other people."

While speaking with his teammates, a recurring theme emerged about Crosta's high-on-life spirit. à

"I try to joke around more than anything," Crosta said. "I guess that is how I am adapting myself to the team. It allows me to become a little more comfortable and also allows the team to feel more comfortable around me."

Crosta's personable attitude and obvious baseball abilities are drawing the attention of major league scouts from around the country.

àNic will pay close attention to the 2004 First-Year Player Draft on June 7-8 and will await a phone call from a major league scout congratulating him. à

"My future at Santa Clara might very much be determined on draft day," Crosta said. "I definitely see baseball in the future for me."

Pro ball or not, Crosta has the spirit that will carry him to success wherever life takes him. à

"If he doesn't become a major league baseball player," Larson said. "He will be a major-league individual."

û Contact Adam Harper at (408) 554-4852 or aharper@scu.edu.