Persistent Franklin Regional grad Krauza takes winding road to pro baseball in Texas

Paul Schofield, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Jun. 25—Michael Krauza never gave up his dream of playing baseball in college or on the professional level.

The Murrysville native and Franklin Regional grad believes God has helped direct him through some tough times over the years.

His path was different than most, but the results were favorable.

Krauza earned NCAA Division II All-American honors this season pitching for Mercyhurst. He won 10 games in relief and led Division II in strikeout-to-walk ratio (71 strikeouts and four walks).

Now he's getting paid to play the game he loves. He signed with Cleburne (Texas) in the American Association of Pro Baseball.

Krauza said he signed because he was confident he wouldn't be part of the MLB Draft.

"They want guys mid to upper 90s," Krauza said. "I'm upper 80s and low 90s."

Krauza's path to Mercyhurst began playing club baseball at Xavier University in Cincinnati. After improving his throwing velocity, he transferred and signed with St. Bonaventure.

An arm injury, however, limited his games with the Bonnies, so he decided pursue another path. That led him to coach Joe Spanos' team in Erie.

"It was the best decision I've made," Krauza said. "Coach Spanos is a great person. I'd do anything for him."

Spanos allowed Krauza to showcase his talent. He pitched in 22 games as a reliever and was in a lot of big games for the Lakers.

Krauza originally signed with the Houston Apollos, but things didn't work out and he was released and picked up by Cleburne, which is located near Fort Worth.

He pitched three scoreless innings against Winnipeg on June 17, his best outing in pro ball.

So far he has pitched in five games.

"I have to pitch well if I want to stay here," Krauza said. "I'm one of the younger players on the team, and I'm having a lot of fun."

The American Association of Professional Baseball has teams across the midwest stretching from Texas to Canada.

"I'm thankful for all the people who supported me over the years," Krauza said. "My parents, family, coaches, friends and teammates were always there and pushed me. Each time I faced an obstacle, I feel God led me to someone to help me.

"When I learned I became an All-American, my dad cried. It's one of my greatest honors."

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul by email at pschofield@triblive.com or via Twitter .