Versatility has always been a major component of all Albany Dutchmen rosters. With the long summer season coming immediately after a 50-plus game collegiate schedule, many players need time to rest the bumps and bruises from the grueling year of baseball. The Dutchmen organization has always believed that the roster is more flexible with players who can play multiple positions, allowing Coach Davey to mix and match lineups in order to give his players the most rest possible. With that in mind, the Dutchmen were happy to sign two talented, and versatile, freshmen: Brian Ruhm from UC-Davis and Danny Crowe from Elon.

After finding success with UC-Davis shortstop Adam Young, the Dutchmen went back to the school to land Ruhm. A left-handed hitting infielder, Ruhm was an All-League, All-Area, All-CIF Southern Section, and All-San Bernadino County First Team selection in high school. Playing primarily shortstop, Ruhm hit .450 as a senior and .490 as a junior, tallying a combined 66 runs, 20 stolen bases, seven homeruns, and 70 RBIs. Twice honored as the high schools outstanding student-athlete, Ruhm red-shirted behind a collection of upperclassmen at UC-Davis, but figures to be a factor for the Dutchmen anywhere in the infield, with possible appearances in the outfield as well.
 

He’ll be joined, at times, in the outfield by Danny Crowe. A Dobbs Ferry, NY native, Crowe came to Elon after hitting over .500 at Dobbs Ferry High School. A 6’0” outfielder and pitcher, Crowe was named team MVP, while also earning All-Section honors. Also named Second Team All-Region by Perfect Game, Danny possesses a mid-80s fastball and solid breaking ball on the mound, to go along with exceptional contact rate at the plate. His ability as a two-way player allow the Dutchmen to essentially carry one extra pitcher, which should be immensely valuable in the later weeks of the season when arms start tiring.