Q and A With Kyle Crawford
Kyle Crawford is the CEO and one of three founders of Big League AI. We sat down with Kyle and asked him nine questions, here are his answers.
Why did you decide to start Big League AI?
I grew up playing baseball in Montana at a time when there wasn’t much used for technology in baseball player development, nor was there much for high level training that was accessible without traveling out of state, which wasn’t an option for us. I saw this product as a way that I could help provide a level of high quality training option to as many people as possible regardless of where they happen to live and the access to technology that they might have.
What is your favorite baseball team and why?
I am an Arizona Diamondbacks fan and try to go to multiple games every season. I grew up a Chicago Cubs fan and learned a lot about baseball by watching the broadcasts on WGN with Steve Stone and Harry Carey and then when the Diamondbacks expanded into the MLB they added a rookie league minor league team in my hometown and I was able to have season tickets. I was fortunate to get to see Diamondback stars like Paul Goldschmidt, Lyle Overbay, Gerardo Parra and Jose Valverde play with the Missoula Osprey and then see them as big league players which fully converted me to be an Arizona Diamondbacks fan for life.
Who is your favorite baseball player and why?
My current favorite player is Corbin Carroll. Watching his blend of power, speed, grit and mindset gets me excited every time he takes the field knowing that there is always the chance to witness something special.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
I was lucky enough to be in the stands to witness history when the Diamondbacks hit 4 consecutive homeruns against their rivals the Dodgers to eliminate them and advance to the NLCS in 2023.
What baseball player, that you’ve met personally, had the biggest impression on you?
I have been fortunate to work with many different baseball players, however, one of the most impactful moments I have ever had was meeting Mookie Betts and JD Martinez. I learned a lot from studying how Mookie moves his body and generates power in his swing and JD is the single athlete with the most scientific brain I have ever met. Learning from him about the way his brain thinks about the body during a baseball swing was an incredible experience and helped shape how I work with players.
Why is Big League AI so unique?
What makes Big League AI unique is that it looks at the body and how you generate power within your swing and then gives you personalized drills based on data to help you generate more energy, efficiently and consistently.
What inspires you?
The idea of being able to help other kids grow to reach their potential, quicker that do not have the access or outlet for high quality in-person training and helping breakdown those barriers within the competitive baseball player development community drives me forward every day.
What’s you favorite baseball stadium and why?
As a fan of the game I have always loved Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, however, I absolutely love the whole experience of seeing a game at Truist Field in Atlanta. The Battery outside and then the experience inside the field is one of the best that I have ever been lucky enough to see.
What position did you play?
I played multiple positions around the field but from high school on it was mostly Catcher and First base.
