MIKE CRUDALE

 


Reliever/Starting Pitcher
St. Louis Cardinals

 

Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 205 lbs. 
Born: January 1, 1977, in San Diego, California, U.S.A.

 
MAJOR LEAGUE SEASON PITCHING STATISTICS:

 YEAR

 ERA W L G IP H R ER BB K HR BAA
2002 1.88 3 0 49 52.2 43 11 11 14 47 3 .228
 

PROFILE:
Mike Crudale graduated from Monte Vista High School in Danville, CA in 1995. While in high school, he was captain of his high school baseball team and a two-time all league selection. He also threw a no-hitter in high school and played American Legion ball in 1994 and 1995. In 1999, he graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Communications. He earned four letters at Santa Clara and once recorded 14 strikeouts for the Broncos in a game against Pepperdine University. Santa Clara won two conference championships (in 1996 and 1997), while Mike was a pitcher on the staff. He originally played third base in high school, but decided to try pitching after his freshman year at Santa Clara. He was scouted and signed by Jay North, and began the 2001 season with Class-AA New Haven, where he lead the Eastern League with a career-high 62 games pitched. His 62 relief appearances were also tops in the Cardinal minor league system. In 2002, while shuttling between the minors and majors during the first half of the season, Mike provided some needed stability to the Cardinals staff, making one start, and also pitching out of the pen. He pitched so well for the Cards that he actually ended up with the big league club for the entire second half of the season. Mike throws a fastball in the low-90s, but his best pitch is his big-breaking slider. Crudale possesses excellent control and command of his pitches, and held opposition batting opponents to a .228 mark. In addition, he held batters with runners in scoring position to a .175 mark. Mike fields his position fine, but possesses a high leg kick delivery that runners often take advantage of. 

FINAL ASSESSMENT:
Crudale’s surprising rookie season has pretty much solidified a middle relief slot on the Cards staff for next season. He could actually end up being the primary setup man for closer Jason Isringhausen. We see Mike going in the late first or early second round of the upcoming NABL draft. Wherever he goes, some NABL club is going to get a very good pitcher for this upcoming season and beyond.