Former QU All-American Croes earns postseason all-star nod as rookie in American Association

QUINCY — Dayson Croes proved he was more than a professional hitter during his rookie season in the American Association.

He was All-Star material, too.

The former Quincy University All-American infielder was named to the American Association’s postseason all-star team after leading the Winnipeg Goldeyes in hitting with a .351 average and leading the league with 135 hits in 94 games.

Playing third base for the Goldeyes, Croes was one of the league’s most efficient hitters. His average was fourth best in the league, while he struck out just 36 times in 439 plate appearances. He also put together the longest hitting streak in the American Association this season, going on a 25-game hitting binge from May 14 to June 13.

Croes was also second on the Goldeyes with 67 RBIs despite hitting leadoff most of the season.

The 23-year-old Croes is the first QU product to receive all-star recognition as a rookie in the professional ranks since Josh Rabe was named a Florida State League Western Division All-Star while playing for the Fort Myers Miracle in 2002.