LONG BEACH, Calif. (U-WIRE) -- A former Long Beach State 49er is the frontrunner to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Shortstop Bobby Crosby of the Oakland Athletics is expected to finish atop in votes for the coveted annual baseball prize for first year players. Crosby has a .243 batting average and leads all American League rookies with 21 home runs and 63 runs batted in through 146 games played.

In an interview with the Oakland A's Web site, Crosby reflected on his first season,

"Mentally it's been kind of an up-and-down year," he said. "I've had my good times and I've had my tough times, which was expected. It's made it a lot easier being on a winning team and having a bunch of good guys in the clubhouse."

After a phenomenal collegian career, the Long Beach State alumni was the Oakland A's first draft pick in 2001, 25th overall. During his final year, Crosby batted .353 with nine home runs and was named the 2001 Big West Player of the Year. The standout was also a member of the 2000 Team USA in Sydney where they won the gold medal.

The Lakewood native started off his professional career in class-A ball in Modesto and quickly moved through the minor league ranks. Crosby landed in Sacramento (AAA) last year, where he won the Rookie of the Year award for the Pacific Coast League. He also made his major league debut in 2003 and was promoted to the Big Leagues permanently this spring.

The A's didn't resign all-star incumbent and 2002 Most Valuable Player, Miguel Tejada, who went to the Baltimore Orioles, which gave Crosby the opportunity to play full time. By not inking Tejada to a long-term extension, the A's showed great confidence toward the rookie's ability to step in and make an immediate impact.

Additionally, Tejada's salary of $5 million this season was too high for the smaller market A's to pay, compared to Crosby's relatively miniscule $305,000.

President Robert Maxson noted Crosby's potential when he called into a sports talk radio station before the start of the 2004 baseball season. He predicted Crosby would win the Rookie of the Year award. Maxson took notice of the rookie's work ethics on the field and in the weight room. If all goes as baseball analysts expect, the Long Beach State president's prediction would be a reality.

Major League Baseball scouts pointed out Crosby's athleticism, size and good speed. He also has the ability to drive the ball in both gaps, and has strong yet soft hands for a shortstop.

However, no one expected Crosby's ability to hit the long ball, at least, not so soon. Most young players develop power after a few years of play in the majors, but Crosby has stood out.

In addition to his individual accolades, Crosby has been significant to the Oakland A's success on the field. The team is currently in a heated pennant race with the Anaheim Angles.

Crosby also has blood-ties to the major leagues. His father, Ed, played six years in pro ball and later became a professional scout, eyeing out new talent for professional ball clubs.

Long Beach State has been a powerhouse in college baseball and several impact players from the program are currently on MLB rosters. Some of the big names include New York Mets' pitcher Steve Trachsel, Montreal Expos' closer Rocky Biddle and New York Yankees' slugger, Jason Giambi.

(C) 2004 Daily Forty-Niner via U-WIRE.