Photo Credit: Merrimack Athletics
Thomas Conley ’15, Associate Sports Editor
Despite the prolonged winter, baseball is finally underway for our Warriors, and it seems like captain, Frank Crinella, hasn’t missed a beat. During spring break the team traveled down south to Florida and North Carolina, posting a 6-3 record on their weeklong trip. Crinella was a big part of Merrimack’s offense hitting an average of .474, along with posting an impressive .842 slugging percentage and .583 on-base percentage. The junior third baseman also lead his team on the trip with hits (9), runs scored (7), extra-base hits (4), RBI (7), and steals (5). Crinella highlighted his success down south by cranking his first homerun of the season and eighth for his Merrimack. career. With Northeast-10 Conference play coming up this weekend it is pivotal that Crinella continues his hot streak to help lead the high powered offense against in-conference foes. Now that we know what he can do with the bat, lets take a look and see who the All-American really is.
Q: What does it mean to you when you put on the Warrior uniform and represent your school?
A: It’s an honor to wear the Navy and Gold. Whenever I put on the Merrimack Jersey I know I’m surrounded by my brothers. It’s a special feeling representing Merrimack throughout the summer against kids who play throughout the country.
Q: How old were you when you first started playing baseball?
A: I first started playing baseball when I was old enough to pick up a ball. My brother and I were always outside taking ground balls with my dad in the backyard.
Q: Were you always a third baseman?
A: I was a catcher when I started out in little league and then I primarily played shortstop throughout my career until my sophomore year of college.
Q: If you could play any other position, what would it be?
A: If I could play any other position it would probably be second base.
Q: With all the success you’ve had a future in this sport for you seems possible. Where do you see yourself, baseball-wise, after you graduate?
A: I hope to see myself reaching the pro ranks. I don’t focus on that. I try to be the best I can be on a daily basis.
Q: If you could pick another sport to play, what would it be?
A: If I could pick another sport it would be hockey. I played my whole life and I miss the physical aspect of the game.
Q: How far do you see your team going this year?
A: If our team can put the pieces of the puzzle together we will be a tough team to beat. I think we have the capability of being a CWS caliber team if we are consistent with our goals.
Q: As a captain, what responsibility do you need to take on to help lead your team to success?
A: I have to push the guys to their limits so that they leave nothing on the table.
Q: Considering the strength you’ve shown at the plate, along with your average, do you consider yourself a power hitter, or more contact?
A: I try to be both. I worked a lot this summer on trying to limit my strikeouts, but keep the power behind my swing.
Q: Why did you choose Merrimack as your school?
A: I chose Merrimack as my school because I like the academics. It’s a great degree from a school with a elite reputation.
