18 July 2007

Meet a Mariner: Evan Crawford

By Matt Rice
GateHouse News Service
Wed Jul 18, 2007, 06:59 AM EDT 

Name: Evan Crawford
Hometown: Prattville, Alabama
College: Auburn
Age: 20
Position: Relief pitcher
Stats: 6-1, 185 pounds

Harwich - After an injury cut short his 2006 summer season, Evan Crawford has returned to the league and has posted one of the league’s best ERA at .84. Less than a full inning short of qualifying as one of the league leaders in that category, the lefty has allowed only two earned runs in 11 appearances this summer.

    Despite the impressive numbers, Crawford admitted that he’s struggled a little in the past couple games.

    During his last appearance on Monday against Orleans, Crawford gave up a hit and walked two during the eighth and ninth innings. But with the bases loaded in the ninth, and the Mariners up by three, Crawford struck out Ollie Linton to end the threat and pick up his third save of the summer.
Last summer, while playing for Y-D, Crawford appeared in just two games, both starts, and registered a 6.43 ERA.

Q. Last summer, while playing for Y-D, you had to leave early because of tendonitis is your arm. How much more satisfying has this season been for you?

A. I’ve stayed injury free and I’ve felt pretty good throwing the ball, so it’s been a great summer so far. I had a lot more success earlier in the season, I’ve struggled in my past couple appearances, but I’ll continue to fight and work as hard as I can.

Q. Was it tough hearing that they (Y-D) won the championship after you left?

A. Not at all. I was happy for the guys on the team and the organization. They actually sent me a championship ring, which I thought was very nice of them.

Q. Has facing batters with wooden bats changed your approach at all? 

A. Not really. I actually like playing in the wooden bat league because I think it’s a lot tougher on the batters.

Q. The team weathered a nine-game losing streak earlier in the summer, now the team has won four out of its last five games, what’s been the difference?

A. We came out every game ready to play and once that streak was over with, we just put it out of our heads and moved on to the next game. That’s all you can do is come out and play hard each night no matter what happened the night before.

Q. What other things do you like to do while not playing baseball?

A. Fishing. I absolutely love to fish around here. My biggest fish so far this summer was a 35-inch striped bass I caught with my host family.

Q. How’s it been living with your host family?

A. An absolute blast. I met them last summer when I was up here and I kept in touch with them all winter. They’re the nicest people and they have everything set up for us.