Pierre Crockrell II, starting point guard for University of the Pacific’s men’s basketball team, is the among the first college athletes in the nation to sign an agreement to help promote a professional baseball team through community work under new NCAA rules.

Crockrell will be paid for the use of his name, image and likeness to do community relations and social media work for the Stockton Ports, a minor-league affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. 

“We are pleased to partner with Pierre in our efforts to strengthen our outreach in the community in new and exciting ways,” Ports President Pat Filippone said. “We are building a relationship with University of the Pacific, working closely with President (Christopher) Callahan. Pierre brings skill and desire to this partnership.”

Crockrell said he is excited to add an opportunity in baseball to his basketball success.

“I like the way (the Ports) value their players, staff and fans,” said the Tacoma, Wash., native. “That’s something I love to see. I’m a big baseball fan and I saw the potential to cross market myself with the Ports.”

The NCAA on July 1 adopted a policy allowing college student-athletes the opportunity to benefit financially from their name, image, and likeness. Athletes nationwide have taken advantage of the new rule, with most signing agreements with restaurants, clothing apparel companies and retailers or doing social media work.

Crockrell said his work will center on helping to strengthen the bond between Pacific, the Ports, and the community of Stockton.

“I am looking forward to getting started and helping bring people together at the ballpark,” said Crockrell, a communications major. “Stockton is where I chose to go to college and it’s important for me to be active in my community. This can be mutually beneficial for myself and for the Ports. It is an awesome chance to gain traction for both parties.”

Wes Yourth, deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer of Pacific Athletics, said there are about 10 Pacific student-athletes with smaller name-image-likeness contracts, most of them concentrating on social media. 

Crockrell has heard from student-athletes at Pacific and elsewhere since signing with the Ports.

“It will probably keep more kids in college who might otherwise go pro early,” Crockrell said. “The ability to partner will be helpful for many student-athletes. It’s a start by the NCAA. It makes college student-athletes happy that they are being listened to by the NCAA.” 

Crockrell has three years of athletic eligibility at Pacific, including the current season. He also has an internship at Golden Bear Insurance Company in Stockton—which is located down the street from Banner Island Ballpark, the Ports’ stadium.

“Things will really pick up after my basketball season is over,” he said. “This is a great opportunity.”

Follow Crockrell on social media:
Instagram: pcrockrell
Twitter: @CrockrellP