Blue Crabs Bring Back Dalton Geekie, Alex Crosby for 2022

(February 18, 2022) Waldorf, Md. --- The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced the re-signing of two key pieces to the Crabs’ 2021 playoff run on Friday afternoon, Dalton Geekie and Alex Crosby.

Geekie and Crosby were powerhouses on the mound and at the plate for the Blue Crabs during the 2021 season. Proving on both sides of the field that they were deserving of another contract with Southern Maryland.

Dalton Geekie, a right-handed pitcher, returns to Waldorf for his second season in the Atlantic League. The Georgia native proved to be one of the best relievers in the Atlantic League throughout the 2021 season. Geekie posted a 3.22 ERA and struck out 53 opposing batters in just over 50 innings pitched.

“2021 was a year full of amazing memories with an amazing group of men,” said Geekie. “We weren’t flashy, we didn’t have 10 ex-big leaguers, we had a bunch of grinders that competed day in and day out. We have some unfinished business with the rest of the league. Come April, it’s time to run it back.”

Alex Crosby dominated in his first year in the Atlantic League. After working into the everyday lineup in mid-June, Crosby went on a 17-game hit streak, the longest by a Blue Crab since 2013. In late July Crosby caught fire once more, going on a 10-game hit streak including four straight multi-hit games, and a three-game home run streak. Crosby finished the season ranking top 15 in the Atlantic League in batting average, hits, doubles, total bases, and runs scored.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to come back to the Blue Crabs organization and to continue playing the game I love,” said Crosby. “It was a no-brainer coming back to play for Stan and to play with some of the guys from last year.

Like Dalton Geekie, Crosby understands the hardships of last year’s disappointing end to the season and is ready to get to work.

“We have some unfinished business and want to win a ring this upcoming season. Looking forward to the challenge and the grind of the 2022 season!”

Clark, Hoover return to 'Stormers

Roster Now at Twelve

(February 18, 2022) Lancaster, PA --- Powerful speedster LeDarious Clark and defensive wizard Jake Hoover have re-signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers for the 2022 season, it was announced today by manager Ross Peeples.

Lancaster now has 12 players under contract for the upcoming season, slightly under nine weeks from the beginning of the campaign.

Clark, 28, spent the entire 2021 season in a Barnstormers uniform. The right-handed slugger played in 105 of the team’s 119 games, batting .265 with 18 homers and driving in 65 runs. He also stole 28 bases in 31 attempts after being successful on his first 18 tries of the year.

The Mississippi native clubbed homers in three straight games at Southern Maryland, September 28-30, He contributed a pinch-hit grand slam against the Blue Crabs on August 7 as part of a stretch in which he drove in 10 runs in nine at bats. He contributed five outfield assists while serving as a backup to starters Caleb Gindl, Alejandro De Aza and Trayvon Robinson.

“Clark ended up having a really good year for us,” said Peeples. “He is a very ‘toolsie’ guy and might be as close to a five-tool player as there is in the league. We are going to give him the opportunity to play center field every day. I’m excited to see what he can do out there.”

The product of the University of West Florida was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2015 and spent five years in their system, peaking at Class AA Frisco. He hit 48 homers and stole 99 bases in 373 career games with the Texas system.

Hoover, 24, joined the Barnstormers on August 5 after his release from the Texas system. He banged out nine hits over 22 at bats in his first seven games in a Lancaster uniform before finishing at .241 with 19 RBI. He was successful on all five of his stolen base attempts.

His season ended when he injured his left shoulder on a sensational diving catch on a foul ball from Long Island’s Johnni Turbo on September 10.

The Michigan native was drafted by the Rangers out of Hillsdale College in 2019. He hit .239 for Class A- Spokane that season. Last year, he played with Class AA Frisco and Class AAA Round Rock early in the season.

“Hoover is an athletic guy who can play multiple positions,” said Peeples. “We are going to give him a shot to play shortstop every day. He will bring speed and athleticism to our lineup.”

The Barnstormers open at Gastonia on April 21 and will host the York Revolution in the opener at Clipper Magazine Stadium on Friday, April 29 at 6:30.