Crumpton shines on diamond as well

July 11, 2008 – 7:15 am

Hot Springs Lakeside receiver Ben Crumpton not only one of the top football prospects in the state but also one of the top prospects in baseball as well.

Crumpton, who plays shortstop, had an outstanding showing at the 5th annual Xtra innings Summer Classic in Jonesboro June 29-30. The event showcases the top 88 underclassmen in the state.
He ran the fastest 60-yard dash with a 6.47 and went 4 of 5 with 3 singles and triple. He also had 3 stolen bases, 2 RBI’s and one scored run.  While he’s shown great speed, Crumpton has impressed scouts with a strong arm. He’s been registered in the high 80’s and an occasional 90 on the radar.
After Crumpton’s showing, Arkansas, Arkansas State, Missouri State, Central Arkansas and Northeast Texas Community College have contacted him. One of the organizers of the event Jim Chastain, said major league scouts were buzzing about Crumpton’s performance.
Junior Houston Pruitt of Springdale Har-Ber also showed well in Jonesboro. Pruitt, who already has a football scholarship offer from Tulsa, ran a 6.85 60 and threw in the 86-89 MPH range on the radar and hit as high as 92.