LBCC Athletics announces retirement of Head Baseball Coach Casey Crook

LONG BEACH – With profound gratitude, Long Beach City College (LBCC) announces the retirement of Casey Crook, who concludes his remarkable 32-year tenure as head coach of the Vikings baseball program at the end of the 2025 season. Crook, a cornerstone of LBCC since 1994, leaves an enduring legacy marked by a 728-547-7 record, nine South Coast Conference (SCC) championships, a state title, and an unwavering commitment to connecting with his student-athletes, encapsulated in his heartfelt mantra, "Hold on to the rope." His departure is bittersweet, as the LBCC community celebrates a coach who poured his soul into shaping young men both on and off the field.

Crook's career is punctuated by extraordinary achievements, none more radiant than the 2006 season, when he led the Vikings to a school-record 41 wins (41-10) and LBCC's first state championship since 1976. "That state championship was special," Crook reflected. "We had great kids, great players, and great assistant coaches—it all came together." That year, he was named California Community College Coach of the Year and American Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year. His teams claimed SCC titles in 1996, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022, earning him nine SCC Coach of the Year honors.

Crook's postseason appearances reflect his ability to forge competitive teams, but his true impact lies in the personal connections he built with his players. "When you're connecting with an athlete—whether it's about baseball skills, discipline, academics, or citizenship—it's pretty special," Crook shared. "You're helping someone mature, become a man, and they appreciate it. That's what I'll miss most." His dedication to his players' growth was evident in their return visits, often years later, to share stories of their lives—coaching, teaching, or raising families. "When former players come back, they say, 'I had so much fun,' or 'You helped me love baseball again,'" Crook said. "Even guys who didn't play much will say, 'I'm glad you were hard on me. Those lessons helped me move on in life.' That's what keeps you going."

At the heart of Crook's philosophy is the "Hold on to the rope" story, inspired by LSU coach Skip Bertman's 1999 clinic talk. "Skip told this story about throwing a rope to a player and saying, 'Hold on like you're hanging over a 200-foot cliff, and I'm holding the other end,'" Crook recalled, his tone reverent. "It was about trust, leadership, being the teammate who never lets go." This story transformed his 1999 team, which stumbled to a 1-6 start in conference play. In a moment of inspiration, Crook threw a tug-of-war rope over the dugout: "I tossed it over, and Jake Kruger grabbed it. Then everyone jumped on, pulling me up and across the roof. My hands were bleeding, but they were all holding on, staring up at me. It was electric." He had each player, still gripping the rope, share a solution to fix the team's struggles while running as a unit down the left-field line. "We won 16 of our next 17 games, made the playoffs, and had a great run," Crook said, his voice thick with pride. "That day made 'Hold on to the rope' mean something profound."

The story's resonance endured, touching lives beyond the diamond. Crook shared a heartrending story about Eric Wilkerson, a 1999 player who had some struggles on and off the field. "Fifteen years later, Eric came to a game with his son and waited 45 minutes to talk," Crook said. "He told me about a near-fatal car wreck. In the hospital, unconscious, he heard doctors say he wouldn't make it. In an out-of-body moment, he kept repeating, 'Hold on to the rope,' willing himself to live for his wife and kids." Crook's voice broke as he added, "That story still gives me chills." The mantra became a team tradition, with players carrying ropes or keeping knotted pieces in their bags. "It's about practicing to hold the rope for others—a son, husband, father," Crook said. "That's why athletics exist."

Crook's commitment to his players extended beyond wins, fostering a family-like bond. "Lots of players come back to share how they're making their way in the world," he said, smiling softly. "That's what I'm proudest of—not just the championships, but seeing them thrive." His 400th win came in 2010, and he surpassed 700 in 2024, milestones that pale next to the lives he touched. Players like Eric Pangelinan, who funded scholarships for future Vikings, and Mikey Thomas, who sponsored team pizza sweeps, reflect Crook's lasting influence.

A Pullman, Washington native, Crook was a two-time GTE Academic All-American at Briar Cliff College, setting records in hits (255), runs (178), and stolen bases (96). Inducted into Briar Cliff's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005, he began coaching at Long Beach State, contributing to a 1991 College World Series appearance, before joining LBCC in 1993. He holds degrees from Briar Cliff (1990) and a Master's from Long Beach State (1994).

As Crook steps away after a 20-23 season in 2025, the LBCC community mourns the end of an era but celebrates a legacy of love, leadership, and connection. "There's bittersweetness, but I'm 95% happy," Crook said. "I'm excited for what's next." His "Hold on to the rope" philosophy will echo through the Vikings' dugout and beyond, a testament to a coach who held the rope for so many.

(Lauren Sterbens, LBCC Athletics)