Jake Cronenworth earns opportunity to compete in Tokyo 2020 qualifier

Durham Bulls shortstop Jake Cronenworth

USA Baseball announced on Thursday, October 10., 2019, Durham Bulls shortstop Jake Cronenworth has been named to the roster for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12™ tournament.

Cronenworth, 25, will play for Team USA in its first opportunity to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The St. Clair, Michigan native turned in eye-catching numbers throughout the year, as he led the I.L. in on-base percentage (.429) and average (.334), ranked third in on-base plus slugging percentage (.949) and ninth in slugging percentage (.520). These numbers earned Cronenworth his first career Postseason All-Star honor at any level, following a season that saw him make the International League Midseason All-Star team. Additionally, the shortstop’s average and 10 home runs were career highs, despite missing over a month because of injury.

Cronenworth’s year was also marked by his first season as a two-way player, pitching professionally for the first time. The University of Michigan product made seven appearances on the mound, serving as an “opener” for six, going 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA (7.1 IP), while allowing four hits and striking out nine batters.

The 28-man roster is made up of 15 pitchers and 13 position players currently not on an MLB 40-man roster. The team will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, from November 2-4 as a member of Group A with the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Netherlands. The top two nations from Group A will advance to the Super Round in Tokyo from November 11-16.

The Durham Bulls open the 2020 season at home on Thursday, April 9 against the Charlotte Knights.

Thanks to DBBC’s Emily Almond for this capcom story & graphic.