Pinder & Crockett, Poquoson's Dynamic Duo
Poquoson baseball players Kyle Crockett and Chad Pinder have been playing baseball together for 7 years. The duo are a major reason for the team's success this year and both will be continuing their baseball careers at major D1 programs; Crockett at the University of Virginia and Pinder at Virginia Tech...
Photo By: 757Gameday Staff
Poquoson's junior southpaw Kyle Crockett was dominating on the mound this season for the Islanders. Crockett will continue his future in baseball at the University of Virginia...
Photo By: Phil Dolinger / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
Islander junior Chad Pinder was the other half of Poquoson's dynamic duo and was a key part to their success on the diamond. Although Crockett and Pinder have enjoyed playing together for 7 years, after next season they will find themselves going against one another as Pinder will don the maroon and orange as he goes to play for Virginia Tech...
Photo By: Phil Dolinger / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
POQUOSON, VA -
GAMEDAY: How long have you guys played baseball together?
KYLE CROCKETT & CHAD PINDER: 7 years
GD: Do you guys push each other in practice?
CP: "We always do our best, we try to be team leaders all year, we help each other out and help our teammates out."
GD: What does Coach Bennett do for you guys to make it to the next level?
CP: "He definitely pushes us, makes us be the team leaders, and tells us we have to set the example for the other people. Since we have already committed to colleges, they're definitely going to look up to us, but he definitely pushes us more than most."
GD: Kyle, what was it like knowing you are such a good hitter, yet the coach did not want you to hit?
KC: "Well, it was both of our decisions. He asked me before the game if I could hit or not. I came out to practice, and I hit one ball and felt a little twinge, so I just said no. Coach said I would be more valuable pitching so I just didn't hit."
GD: Last night, what was going through your head in the sixth inning with two outs and still no runs?
CP: "Aw man! I was nervous" said Chad Pinder, "because I was on second base and I could see the signs from the catcher, but we don't signal anything like that. I saw him throw him a curveball, and he had just given him a curveball and he missed, and I knew he was going to sit on it because he had just gotten that last pitch. He drove it, and they were playing really deep in the outfield, so I knew I was going to score."
GD: What are you guys going to do differently this year in the states semi-final game?
KC&CP: CP said, "Hopefully win!"
Kyle Crocket goes on to say, "We have the same game plan, we're stronger as a group this year and we have better defense for our offense."
GD: What would it mean to you guys to win it going into your senior year?
CP: "If we lose, then we're definitely going to want to win our senior season. But if we win this year, it will definitely mean a lot because we could go to back-to-back. Coach has been able to do that."
GD: Did you guys want to play together in college?
KC&CP: KC said, "I was hoping, I know Virginia Tech was looking at him"
(CP) "We were looking at the same schools, and I guess it just didn't work out."
GD: Kyle, why University of Virginia? Did you have many other offers other than UVA?
KC: "They came to me first, so that showed me something. I like their school a lot and they have a good program with baseball and school. I like their coaches. I haven't had any other offers other than UVA. Other schools were looking at me and sending me stuff, but I just committed verbally."
GD: Chad, why Virginia Tech?
CP: "I love the coaches, I had always known I wanted to go there, I have been going to camps there since I've been 13 or 14. I played for the Canes during the summer so it gave me a great opportunity. They saw me every weekend, and they offered in November of last fall. Right then, I knew that's where I wanted to go."
GD: What did you think when the bases were loaded, and there were two outs and it was tied up?
CP: "I was extremely nervous. The swing, ha-ha, it was at his neck, and I was like please take that pitch. We got lucky. I mean the left fielder was playing at the fence, couldn't ask for more."
GD: What did you think when J.D Brown from Orange High hit it out, for a home run?
KC: "Oh, gosh, the umpire was not given me anything low, especially since he was taller. It was 3 balls 2 strikes, I had to throw a strike, and I did want to walk him. Coach called a curveball, and I kind of hung it a little bit. Right when he hit it, I knew it was gone."
GD: Whose girl is hotter?
KC&CP: "Ha. They're different," says CP. "He has a blonde, and I got a brunette."
