News Archive

Baseball's JT Craig Commits to Army West Point

11/2/2022

Brophy senior outfielder JT Craig has made a commitment to play baseball at Army West Point and attend the distinguished school this fall.

“Coach Tracz told me I was going to fit the program well,” said Craig. “I am super motivated to be out there with them. The program is going to build me as a player and all the facilities are amazing to see.”

Craig will play for a Head Coach, Chris Tracz, who took over the program this offseason after serving as the head coach at Marist University for 13 years. In his time as head coach, Tracz has produced eight MLB Draft picks, one All-American, three MAAC Pitchers of the Year, eight First Team All-MAAC Selections, 18 Second Team All-MAAC Selections, 101 MAAC All-Academic honorees and six CoSIDA Academic All-District Selections.

“I really saw a close-knit group and they want to play together,” said Craig of the Army baseball team from his experience on his visit. “I really liked the close friendships they had on the team.”

He compared the feeling to his own Brophy baseball team and how their bond helped them win 11 one-run games last season. He will always remember the walk off against Mountain Pointe.

“To have that moment with everyone was super fun and they are the memories you can't forget in in life,” recalled Craig.

Craig hit .286 for the Broncos as a junior, knocking in nine runs and scoring 12 runs.

“JT Craig is the most disciplined player I've coached in my time at Brophy,” said Head Coach Josh Garcia ‘07. “He is a perfectionist in everything he does which has helped him get to this point. He is borderline obsessed with working hard. At times I want to tell him to 'slow down' during drills because of the intensity he brings on every rep. His work ethic, determination and leadership ability have impacted the people around him and I am looking forward to watching him continue his ways at Army West Point.”

Craig is excited about his senior season and the goals he has set are team oriented.

“I could be selfish and talk about hitting 20 home runs but at the end of the day it is a team game and that is why I play it,” said Craig. “With these guys, it is an everyday fight, and we want to go win it all and it is the camaraderie that will get us there.”

Craig, who can dunk a basketball, played football before attending Brophy but found his passion in baseball playing for the Broncos.

“To be honest, I am blessed because I am one of the few that get to play a sport in college,” said Craig, whose older brother, George, graduated in 2017. “A lot of people overthink that. I am doing it for my family, but I am blessed to get to play the game that I love.”

Craig will participate in the Brophy Collegiate Signing Celebration on campus at 7:20 a.m. on Nov. 9 in the Robson Gymnasium.