Washburn University baseball is grateful to have alumnus coach Connor Crimmins on the team. He is a Topekan, Ichabod and athlete through and through. He always knew he was going to be a coach. The question was for what sport as he played baseball and football.
He grew up playing baseball and other sports, which were a big thing for him. His dad and coaches were a big influence on him. Some things he likes to do outside of baseball is doing house projects, playing golf, slow pitch with friends, going to concerts especially country concerts and hanging with his dogs.
He loves the game, baseball has given him so much in life, from making connections with coaches and gaining friends.
Crimmins talks about how baseball is a sport that teaches you a lot about yourself.
“[…] it’s also individualized as a one-on-one battle with yourself,” Crimmins said.
Harley Douglas, head coach and Connor Scott, senior business major and outfielder, describe him as hardworking, intense, passionate, honest, loyal and lastly relatable. The intensity comes with the passion to make players better. Crimmins enjoys what he does and relates to the players. The players are also comfortable coming to him and opening up.
Douglas also describes him as consistent and down to earth.
“[…] he’s a one of a kind kid […] there’s never a dull moment,” Douglas said. “So, you know that you’re going to get something from him at all times. He’s not just gonna sit there for nine innings and do nothing.”
Crimmins’ core values in his daily life comes into play when coaching the team. One being relationships which are the biggest to him. Two, hard work and being an example for players. Third, character in how he presents himself and treats people. Finally, work ethic doing things the right way is important.
His coaching style is adaptable and hands-on.
“I’m a players coach,” Crimmins said.
This is what makes him liked by the baseball staff and the players. Connor Scott, junior business accounting major and outfielder, loves this about him. Since Crimmins was a player he knows what the players are going through.
“Sometimes I don’t listen so you have to get on me,” Scott said.
Lastly his style is also old school according to Harley. He doesn’t try to change the players or use new technology, he’s very basic and tries to tweak moves to the players themselves.
Both Douglas and Scott think Crimmins is a great asset to Washburn baseball.
Scott was recruited by Crimmins and stated that Crimmins made this transition to Washburn from a junior college comfortable. Harley enjoys the stability that Crimmins brings to the team, where a player can come talk to him when they’re struggling. Crimmins is a stable person they can trust.
Douglas was also proud of this stability, when it was Crimmins senior year and Harley’s first year as head coach.
One thing Crimmins himself and Douglas are proud about, is that a couple of years ago Washburn made it to the NCAA regional. Harley was proud to be able to share that moment with Crimmins since this has been a goal when he was an athlete at Washburn.
“He’s got a bright future in baseball, it’ll be a sad day when I lose him here,” Douglas said.
Douglas knows Crimmins wants to be a head coach, but he’s been very patient weighing all of the options. Douglas believes he’ll be great wherever he goes. He’s an easy guy to work with.
Edited by Aja Carter and Larissa Morgan
