Jackets Sign Former Billings Royal (July 29, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings baseball coach Chris Brown announced Friday that Willie Crtalic has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Yellowjackets next season.  Crtalic is a 2003 graduate of Billings Senior High School and played for the Billings Royals.  He spent the last two seasons playing for College of Southern Idaho.

“To get a player of Willie’s caliber—as a player and a leader—is exciting,” said Brown.  “He is a big strong kid that runs well, has a very strong arm, can cover ground in the outfield, and drives the ball gap to gap on a consistent basis.  He is also a very talented all-around athlete, which fits our philosophy.  It’s always good to get a player that can play all three outfield positions and bats in the middle of the lineup.  Willie brings a great work ethic and leadership abilities to the table as well.  We look for big things from him on and off the field.”

The 6-foot-4, 192-pound outfielder batted .273 for Southern Idaho last year as a sophomore.  He played in 51 games, starting 42.  Crtalic scored 24 runs and drove in 22 RBI for the 29-27 Golden Eagles.  In 128 at bats he posted a .342 on base percentage.

For the Billings Royals in 2004, Crtalic batted .377 in 138 at bats.  He posted a .565 slugging percentage with 12 doubles and four home runs.  He also scored 26 runs and knocked in 41 RBI.  At Senior HS Crtalic lettered twice in football, earning first team all-conference and second team all-state honors at safety.