Getting to Know: R.J. Cromartie

Name: R.J. Cromartie

Sport: Baseball

Twitter handle: rcromartie33

Instagram handle: rjcromartie

Hashtag that best describes you or your philosophy: #C2E. This means commit to excellence and it means a lot to me, I even have it on my glove.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through Athletics?: The biggest lesson I have learned through athletics is that it’s not just about the sport, it’s about the lifelong bonds you can make through sports.

What are your pre-game rituals?: I don’t have many but usually I will listen to music and just try to prepare myself mentally for the game.

Who is a player you look up to, and why?: A player I look up to is Max Clark. He has taken me under his wing and he is a big role model for me, his work ethic and drive is just unmatched so I strive to get to that point.

What do you love about representing Penn High School?: What I love most about representing Penn High School is the rich history we have athletically, and I wanna continue to carry that tradition on.

What traits do you love in a team leader?: I love seeing a team leader being coachable, consistent, and always having a good attitude no matter the outcome of their personal performance. I also enjoy seeing them go out on the field with the presence of, “We’re gonna kick some butt today.”

What advice would you give a freshman about Penn Athletics?: My biggest advice for an incoming freshman would be; Don’t be nervous to go to upperclassmen for help, always hustle, and to always give your best effort.

What is your favorite sports movie, and why?: “42”. Jackie Robinson has always been one of my favorite players for a numerous amount of reasons, but I would definitely say that his courage and resilience has stood out most to me over the years.

What is your favorite pig-out food?: There are a few, but I would say the best one definitely has to be wings.

What do you love about your sport?: I fell in love with baseball from the time I was 3. Baseball has always been a huge part of who I am today. What I love most about baseball is definitely the intensity of the game.

If you can have lunch with any living person, who would it be, and what would you talk about?: If I could have the chance to have lunch with any living person, I would definitely want to go out to lunch with Derek Jeter. He was the player I grew up watching and is one of the best shortstops to ever play the game. I would like to talk about what he did to get where he was, and how much the game means to him.