UConn Summer Ball 2021

[huskymedic]

 

[dbmill]

Coming back from the injury that he suffered while playing for UConn this spring, T.C. Simmons had a slow start this summer with the OC Riptide, but he finished really strong. As of July 15, Simmons was hitting .189. By the time the season ended on August 1, Simmons had gotten his batting average up to .310, with .406 on base percentage, and a .506 slugging percentage. Plus he has a solid defensive reputation. He ended up having an absolutely terrific summer, and it is reflected by him getting the above honor of being named to the All League Team. Can't wait to see what he does with UConn baseball both this fall and spring, as he seems to be another quality California JUCO that moved on to Storrs.

 

[dbmill]

Ian Ratchford is also the head baseball coach at Avery Point, so in his own way he is involved with both UConn baseball and summer ball. Definitely wouldn't mind seeing some Avery Point players showing up in Storrs and appearing on the UConn baseball fall ball roster.



The New London Day ran this story on Ratchford several days ago:

Avery Point baseball coach Ian Ratchford raises NECBL trophy with Danbury

A significant part of UConn Avery Point baseball coach Ian Ratchford’s life in the game has been spent around the Danbury Westerners, his hometown New England Collegiate Baseball League team. Growing ...

www.theday.com

 

[dbmill]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[dbmill]

Very nice!

By the way, I was checking Lake Monster box scores and found that Chris Brown was playing a lot of 1B late in the summer season for Vermont. As has been discussed before in these threads, it would seem very possible that Reggie Crawford will be seeing a lot more time on the on the mound next season, possibly as the UConn closer out of the bullpen. It is possible that Brown is another option to use at 1B if and when Crawford takes the mound. Someone like David Smith or Zach Bushling could possibly fill in for Brown at 3B should Brown start seeing some time at 1B.

 

[huskymedic]

-> Sitting atop the list is two-way standout Reggie Crawford (UConn). The 6-foot-6 southpaw was seldom used on the mound by the Huskies in the spring (7.2 IP), but broke out as one who profiles as a potential 1-1 pick with his performance this summer in the Cape and with the USA CNT. Although it was another small sample size, Crawford struck out 12 in six innings combined between the CNT and Bourne. In those innings he allowed just one hit and no runs. Athletic and large-framed at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, he shows electric stuff from the left side. It’s loose and easy cheddar from a three-quarter slot, and there’s more in the tank. It’s also the high-spin heat (2500-2600+ rpm) that clubs covet. He was up to 99 for Aaron Fitt during the CNT’s game against the professional Team USA, and sat 97-98. He further separates himself by consistently landing a low-80s breaking ball. <-

 

[scotty0330]

Any news on fall ball? Not a member of dugout club and need to be but fall ball is always something I look forward to….

 

[dbmill]

Any news on fall ball? Not a member of dugout club and need to be but fall ball is always something I look forward to….

As if you can't guess, I always look forward to fall ball as well. Anyway, fall ball at UConn doesn't start up until after classes resume at UConn next Monday, so nothing much on fall ball yet, aside from the announcement on the Alumni Game and Barbecue in late September.

I would also think we will get just a little news on how Reggie Crawford does in a starting role during the fall ball season.

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Tmill15]

 

[dbmill]

We'll have to see if Wareham replaces Bourne as the destination of choice for UConn players playing in the Cape League with Harvey Shapiro moving on.