Skyhawks Sign Former Pope John Standout
July 24, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Sussex Skyhawks News Release
The Sussex Skyhawks of Augusta, New Jersey have signed local outfielder Ryan Crespi. Crespi, a native of Sparta, New Jersey and a graduate of Pope John XXIII High School, comes from the Reno Silver Sox, of the Golden Baseball League. Skyhawks Manager Hal Lanier has shown excitement about the recent signing. Lanier stated "Crespi's enthusiasm for the game as well as his speed and presence at the plate will make him a perfect fit for the Skyhawks roster."
Crespi was named West Jersey Player of the Year during his time at Pope John. He is the only Pope John student athlete to receive First Team All-State honors. He also earned All-Area and All-Parochial honors while hitting .552 with 14 doubles and 18 stolen bases as a senior. High School coach Vin Bello also commented "I'm proud to have coached Ryan. His tremendous speed and accomplishments on offense always made him a great player."
After spending time at Sussex County Community College where he helped lead SCCC to two consecutive regional championships, Crespi went on to attend St. Louis University, making him one of 14 Pope John baseball players to play Division 1 athletics. In St. Louis he led the Billikens with a .301 batting average his senior year. Crespi also stole 12 bases during the 2007 season. Out of St. Louis University Ryan was signed with the Amarillo Dillas of the United League where he hit .333 in 15 games with 54 at bats in 2007.
Prior to his arrival in Sussex, Crespi, a 5'11" 190 lbs righty, played in 46 games for the Reno Silver Sox. In 198 at bats, Crespi had 70 hits, including 4 home runs with 28 runs batted in. With an impressive .354 batting average, Crespi's speed has helped him steal 21 bases thus far, enough to give him a position as second in the league for stolen bases.
Crespi's is scheduled to make his first start with the Skyhawks on Friday July 25th when the Skyhawks return to Augusta to battle the Brockton Rox in a three game series. Friday's game will start at 6:35 PM and will be followed by a fireworks show. The series will continue Saturday at 5:05 PM and again Sunday at 2:05 PM.
In other Skyhawks player moves, the Skyhawks have traded the rights of DH Walter Young to the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association. Also, rookie INF Nick Vardaro has been released.
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