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In this special player story, Robert talks with former Quincy University Hawk Dayson Croes, who made a stunning journey from independent baseball to the San Francisco Giants organization, ending his 2025 season at the AAA level.
Croes shares the incredible, unexpected phone call that led to him signing with the Giants just two weeks before his independent season began, initiating a rapid, multi-level ascent through the affiliated ranks. He details the grind of playing two full seasons in the independent American Association and the challenges of adapting to professional life and travel, including bus bunks.
Croes also offers a fascinating international perspective, discussing his motivation to represent his home island of Aruba and the electric experience of playing in the Mexican Pacific Winter League, where he is currently working to improve his left-on-left hitting. He even recalls leading the 2025 Baseball Champions League tournament in batting average, finishing ahead of eight-time MLB All-Star Robinson Canó.
Finally, Croes emphasizes his belief in his identity as a "contact guy, gap to gap guy" and a commitment to being the "toughest out" in any league. He offers powerful advice to current DII players: never give up, stay true to your skills, and take your development, especially the weight room, seriously.