Brick & Brew Sophomore Summer: Blake Crossing

Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2020 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers."

This installment features Blake Crossing of the baseball team. Last spring, the infielder and designated hitter posted a .319 batting average with an on-base percentage of .435 as one of the top catalysts for the Big Green offense. But unlike most of the subjects in the Sophomore Summer Series, Crossing did not spend his time the past couple of months on campus …

DartmouthSports: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Blake Crossing: I, like the majority of the Dartmouth baseball team, spent my summer playing in a collegiate baseball league. The team I played for was based in the small town of Celina, Ohio. I had a great time playing baseball this summer, but the most wonderful part of my experience was becoming a part of the Celina community. From volunteering at summer camps for the kids to visiting the businesses that supported my team, giving back to those that were giving me this opportunity was the most fulfilling part of my summer.

DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
BC: My favorite place is The Green, as generic as that may sound. Each season brings a unique and beautiful atmosphere to the center of campus. My favorite view from The Green comes during the warmer months, when students take advantage of the nice weather by relaxing or playing outdoor games.

DS: What was it in the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
BC: While I was infatuated by all of the things shown to me during my recruiting process, one conversation with Eugene Heyward, Dartmouth alumnus and mentor to me, paved the way to my commitment. Listening to him speak about the amazing experiences and true feeling of inclusion into an extraordinary group that can only be found at Dartmouth really sold me. Finally, the cookies at '53 Commons sealed the deal.

DS: If you could swap places with one teammate, who would it be and why?
BC: I would swap places with our closer, Austen Michel. Having the final outcome of a game in your own hands is a big, but exciting, responsibility. To perform exceptionally, day after day when your team needs you to get those final outs, as Michel does, is an experience I'd love to have.

DS: Outside of sports, what are you most passionate about?
BC: I love to dance — hip-hop and electronic dance specifically. I love expressing myself and entertaining others through my dancing. Spending time learning the moves of my favorite dancers and inventing my own moves is an entertaining way to spend my free time. If not for my commitment to baseball, I would certainly try to join one of the amazing dance groups at Dartmouth.

DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
BC: My childhood friend, Matt Paschal. I was homeschooled before entering public school in 5th grade. If not for meeting Matt on that frightful first day, and growing up with his bubbly, powerfully kind personality, I'm uncertain as to who I'd be today. He also pushed me to strive for excellence academically by always being a little bit better than me in every subject, every year.

DS: What has been your best on-field memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
BC: The walk-off home-run by Dustin Shirley in game one against Brown this past season is my all-time favorite baseball memory. The rush I felt as the entire Big Green roster flooded the field to greet our captain at home plate after that win reminds me why I continue to play the sport I love.

DS: What show do you binge watch?
BC: Gotham, Parks and Recreation and Big Bang Theory are my go-to's when it's time for some much-needed binge-watching.

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