LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Former Bellarmine University baseball star Austin Crutcher has signed a professional contract with the Chicago White Sox organization.

The 2015 Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year played last season in the United Shore Professional Baseball League, an independent league based in metro Detroit. Crutcher was named the league's co-MVP after batting .301 with 15 homers, nine doubles, three triples and 51 RBIs while stealing 19 bases.

Crutcher said a USPBL official alerted him that he was receiving interest from the Major League Baseball level, but the Lexington, Kentucky, native was wary of reading too much in it. The former All-American didn't get his hopes up and waited patiently to hear something concrete.

"I honestly wasn't too thrilled when I first heard the news because I knew it wasn't guaranteed, and I haven't had the best experience when it comes to scouts and their promises," Crutcher said. "But very shortly after receiving the news, (the USPBL representative) contacted me and told me that it was official, and (the White Sox organization) wanted to sign me.

"Next thing I know," Crutcher continued, "I got the official call from the farm director of the White Sox welcoming me aboard. And just like that I became a member of the White Sox. That's when reality started to kick in and that I was finally going to get my opportunity that I plan on taking full advantage of."

Crutcher helped lead the Utica Unicorns to a USPBL championship. In the title game, the product of Tates Creek (Ky.) High School launched a solo homer in a 5-0 victory over the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers.

"Last season was a great experience, and I highly recommend the United Shore League for indy ball," said Crutcher, who played mostly as a corner outfielder. "The pitching was by far the best consistent pitching I've ever faced. I grew tremendously as a hitter by facing such velocity so often, while also making some small adjustments to my swing that were recommended by my manager, Greg Grall. There were only three teams, but each team had a few relievers that could run the gun up to the mid-90s."

In his senior season at Bellarmine, Crutcher batted .321 with 16 homers, 20 doubles, 39 RBIs and 23 steals, a combination of power and speed that suggested he might get drafted. When he didn't get picked, Crutcher didn't let his dream of playing for an MLB organization fade away.

"If I had to give any advice to younger players that were in my similar situation, it would be simply to put in the extra work," he said. "Over time it's inevitable for your hard work to pay off. Focus on your weaknesses, turn them into strengths and make the best you possibly can out of your situation." 

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