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RANKINGS
Concordia's Ronin McCraw
YOUTH MOVEMENT: Concordia freshman ready to make splash for 'Saders; Aggies
Concordia Lutheran, the perennial State Title contender, is back for another successful Spring season on the diamond with talent oozing out of the TAPPS power.
Per the usual, expectations will be high from this consistently exceptional Crusaders roster that includes TCU-commit Nolan Traeger (C), Auburn-signee Alex Petrovic (RHP) and Baylor-commit Michael Herndon (Utility Player).
But there is a future star who is getting a lot of buzz -- freshman shortstop Ronin McCraw.
Before joining the Concordia baseball program, McCraw has already received acclaim for his performance. Following his time spent in the elite select baseball leagues, McCraw committed to play for Texas A&M as one of the nation's top young prospects.
“I chose to play for A&M since it’s close to home,” said McCraw. “They’re in the SEC, so I might as well play in the best conference in college, and just get better as a player. I’m really pleased to get that opportunity since my dad has always taught me to push for it. You know, your work is going to show what you’re capable of. You don’t have to talk the talk, if your work does it for you.”
McGraw is going to draw from the stars already wearing the blue and white.
“Something I expect of the upperclassmen is for them to keep me accountable,” McCraw said. “I want them to be on me as much as they can because they know what it takes to be a part of a championship-caliber team. That will be really beneficial for me.”
The young infielder will be an important asset to the Crusaders’ defense, but his hitting ability will be a vital addition to the team in their seemingly-inevitable playoff run. Despite the fact that the team hasn’t won a Championship since 2015, it’s becoming more evident that Concordia Lutheran is due for a ring.
“Last year, the team lost in the State Semis,” said McCraw. “So, this year our goal is to take it further and win State. We want our revenge this year and we’ll be working to get it.”
Marucci Elite: Herndon paying huge dividends
Michael Herndon enters his senior season at Concordia Lutheran with huge expectations after a solid summer playing for Marucci Elite Texas.
The big lefty pitcher/outfielder consistency touched 88-miles-per-hour and was on a tear at the plate. The recruiting calls started heating up as he looks for a college landing spot.
“The calls really started coming in over the last month,” he said. “My goal is to play for a big-name college program in front of a lot of people. I can put in some innings on the mound but can also come up and hit some bombs if needed.”
He comes from a baseball pedigree – his father Adam -- who played for the Rice Owls in their World Series hay day. Adam played with the likes of Lance Berkman and Jose Cruz Jr., and for legendary coach Wayne Graham.
“My dad has taught me everything I know when it comes to baseball,” he said. “We have some batting cages in the back yard and he will throw batting practice for hours. My buddies will come over and hit with him too.”
Catching on with Marucci last summer was a little coincidental. His friend Owen Collins asked him to come out and play with the team… they needed a player. The rest was history.
“His coaches were former Big Leaguers Adam Dunn and Aaron Hill,” he said. “I learned a lot from them and ended up going like 7-for-10 over the weekend. They hit the phones for me calling coaches. I was the ‘pick-up kid’. I thought, if they are doing this for me, what are they doing for their full-time players? I’ve been with them ever since.”
Herndon now plays for Marucci coach Ronnie Thames, who has also been instrumental in his development.
“Coach Thames knows everyone,” he said. “He knows what colleges are looking for and he shoots you straight.”
Off the diamond, Herndon is an avid fisherman and golfer. His other big passion is cars.
“I’m obsessed. I’d be a great car salesman if baseball didn’t work out,” he laughed. “I love lifted Chevy trucks, Corvettes and Nissan GT-Rs. I really have too many favorites to pick from.”
With a strong finish this summer and a big senior year at Concordia, Herndon hopes to have his pick of baseball paths to choose from for years to come.