Crosby gets call from Dodgers

Nick Christensen

Friday, May 30, 2003 | 10:37 a.m.

For weeks, many have scratched their heads wondering why 51s outfielder Bubba Crosby hadn't gotten a shot at the majors.

While Crosby was eating Pacific Coast League pitching for lunch, hitting .401 with 32 extra-base hits after 162 at-bats, the Dodgers were struggling and had an outfielder on the injured list.

On Wednesday night at Cashman Field, the call came. Crosby was needed in Dodger blue for Thursday's game at Coors Field.

To prove that his PCL success wasn't a fluke, Crosby was given the chance to pinch-hit in the seventh inning for Dodgers pitcher and former 51 Guillermo Mota.

Crosby singled to shallow center off Colorado's Todd Jones, driving in Cesar Izturis and recording his first major-league hit and RBI in the Dodgers' 12-5 loss to the Rockies.

51s manager John Shoemaker was predictably happy for Crosby.

"I was very happy to see him get a chance to get to the major leagues. He's worked hard to get there, and to be 1-for-1 in the big leagues has got to be a big thrill."

Shoemaker was unsure whether Crosby, 26, would return to the 51s during their road trip or if his stay with the Dodgers would be longer.

"It' tough to say right now. The Dodgers have Dave Roberts on the disabled list, and when they activate him they have to make a move. You just hope he can make a good impression, that they might want to keep him.

"But, if he does come back, he's had a little bit of a taste of the major leagues, and hopefully he can continue to work hard and improve so the next time he goes he can stay longer. But we have no idea right now what the plan is for Roberts. If he's healthy, obviously he's going to be coming off the DL soon."

The Dodgers start a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight in Los Angeles. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Net 2, Cox Ch. 50.