Crooks Delivers the Big Blow in Memphis Win

 
The Cardinal Chronicle
Crooks Delivers the Big Blow in Memphis Win
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

MEMPHIS — Some nights, it’s not about how many hits you get—it’s about when you get them.

For Jimmy Crooks, Wednesday was one of those nights.

The Memphis catcher turned in the kind of performance that doesn’t just show up in the box score—it changes the shape of the game. Crooks launched a three-run home run as part of a nine-run outburst, powering the Memphis Redbirds to a 9-7 win over Norfolk at AutoZone Park.

The swing came at a moment when Memphis needed it most. After falling behind early, the Redbirds were searching for a spark. Crooks provided it with one swing, flipping the momentum and giving Memphis control of the game.

It wasn’t just the home run. Crooks finished with multiple RBIs and anchored the middle of the lineup in a game where Memphis leaned heavily on its power. Joshua Báez and Nelson Velázquez added home runs of their own, but it was Crooks’ blast that proved to be the difference.

For a player working to establish himself at the Triple-A level, performances like this carry weight. Crooks has long been known for his offensive upside behind the plate, and nights like Wednesday reinforce what the organization has believed—there’s impact in that bat.

At this stage, it’s about consistency. The raw tools have never been the question. The next step is stacking games like this, turning flashes into something more dependable.

Still, when you’re looking for signs, this is one worth circling.

Because when a catcher can control the game from behind the plate and change it with one swing, you start paying closer attention.

The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports