Nov. 16, 2006

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois Baseball class of 2007 continues to grow, as Illinois Coach Dan Hartleb announced the signing of one additional student-athlete to national letter of intent Thursday. Casey Crosby, an Elburn, Ill., native, became the most recent member of Hartleb's second signing class, and will elevate the profile of the group, as he is listed No. 1 in the state of Illinois by The Truth Prep Baseball Report. He joins Pete Cappetta, Nick Chmielewski, Casey McMurray and John Schlichter as players who will join the Illini in the fall of 2007.

"I'm extremely excited by the addition of Casey Crosby to our 2007 recruiting class," Hartleb said. "Casey is ranked by many publications as the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois, bringing great athleticism as well as a much-needed left-handed arm to our pitching staff. He also has the physical and mental abilities to be an impact player early in his career.

"As you look at the talent throughout this class, we are excited that four of the top players in the state have chosen to attend and represent the University of Illinois and our baseball program. Looking at the accomplishments of all the players in this class, I feel like this is one of the most impressive groups that we have signed during my time at the university."

Casey Crosby, LHP
6-4 • 190 • Kaneland HS • Elburn, Ill.

Notes: Listed as the No. 1 player in the state by The Truth Prep Baseball Report • Played in the Jack Kaiser All-Star game • Was selected to Team Illinois for the Midwest Classic • Earned five varsity letters, three in baseball and two in football • Went 2-1 with a 1.40 ERA while hitting .405 with four home runs as a junior • Named to the All-Area and All-Western Sun Conference teams for baseball in 2006 • Threw a six-inning no-hitter with 18 strikeouts and a six-inning perfect game last summer for Top Tier, a team consisting of the top players in the Midwest • 2006 All-State football selection and was an All-Western Sun selection for football in 2005 and 2006 • Scored four touchdowns in the Knights' quarterfinal game, leading them to an appearance in the state semifinal game • Has over 1,000 yards receiving for Kaneland this football season • Father, William, played football and wrestled at Kansas State • Brother, Kelly, was drafted by the New York Yankees • Brother, Patrick, played football at Western Illinois.

Assistant Coach Ken Westray on Crosby: "We look forward to having Casey in the program. He's a fine young man who is going to be a great addition. With his signing, it really gives us a solid recruiting class coming in. He has good size and arm strength, and he's a great competitor, which you see throughout this class of recruits."