Dylan Crews looks back on strong season, late slump to end year

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•05/26/23

The LSU Tigers star outfielder Dylan Crews is one of the top players in college baseball today. For most, he is the consensus number-one overall pick in the upcoming MLB draft. Crews put together another sensational season at LSU this year, earning him SEC Player of the Year honors.

But it wasn’t all smiles and rainbows for the Tigers outfielder at the plate all season long. Late in the year, Crews began to slump a bit just before the start of the SEC tournament but has picked it back up since then.

Overcoming a slump late in the year in the midst of a strong performance might be difficult for some individuals to do, but not for Crews. During a recent interview, Crews revealed how he was able to bounce back so strongly during his award-winning performance.

“Yeah, you know, I’m just trying to stay present every single day, really, and trust in my process interesting my process,” said Crews. “In the cages, the weight room, the training room each and every day, really. It is what it is you. I look up at the board, and I’m still doing pretty well. But yeah, just a little hiccup in the road. And like I said, just trying to stay present every day and trust in my process.”

One of the things that might have helped contribute to Crews’ rise out of his slump is LSU skipper Jay Johnson moving him to the top of the line-up. Shortly after Crews spoke, Johnson explained his reason for the move along with moving Tre’ Morgan back to starting at first base for the Tigers.

“I mean, I really don’t want to, but Dylan is the best player in the country,” said Johnson. “I only have him for 12 to 15 more games, so I just want to get him up as many times as I can while I have him. Just kidding, kind of, on that one. 

“Then with — what was the second question? Tre’ at first. He hasn’t been able to play first base for an extended period of time because of some things going on. He’s able to do that now, and that’s a good thing for our team.”

Crews has been a nightmare for opposing pitchers this season. He entered into the SEC’s tournament adding a .421 and an on base percentage of 57. Crews also recorded 59 RBIs with 15 home runs and five stolen bases.