I’m not sure how Daryl knew that I was barely making it financially, but he took it upon himself to offer to give Alex baseball lessons free of charge; and he made me feel as though it was something he wanted to do.

As I think back about the impact Daryl had on Noah and our family, it continues to evolve how special he was.  I know I do not need to tell you that.  His heart would not allow him to turn his back on those who had meant something to him.

I think back to the first time I met him on a recruiting trip to Florida.  He came to the Vipers tryout where he was able to evaluate Noah and speak to his coach.  I remember the ride home with Noah that day.  He was grateful for the opportunity to have a “private” workout with a college coach.  Many have overlooked Noah, as he was a “late bloomer”.  Even his high school team passed on him.  However, Daryl saw something in him.

Noah and he had kept in touch over the next few months and we planned the trip to visit Avila.  Sharon and I were clear with Noah that his college pick was his choice.  He had to feel it and want it.  From there we would support his decision.  Kansas City met us with snow that day and I saw a look in Noah’s eye that I had not seen before.  It was one of opportunity and optimism.  “Dad, it doesn’t feel that it is as cold as the temperature says it is.”  He may have been talking himself into it but I truly believe he knew that this was where he was going to land.

We met DC at the school where we were able to get the tour and sit across the table and talk with Daryl on where he saw Noah fitting in.  All Noah ever asked for was an opportunity.  DC stated that he would have that at Avila.  Noah had seemingly grown up that day, asking pointed questions, something that caught me off guard honestly.  We left for the day and went to the hotel where we talked about the visit.  “Whatever you feel, it is up to you.  If this doesn’t feel right, we will continue to look.  This is your call”, I remember telling Noah.

Noah had some follow up questions Coach and asked if they could meet again.  Daryl was getting ready for a preplanned trip, I think it was a wedding if I recall correctly.  He said he would make every attempt to swing by the hotel while he was out.  He did just that.  It would be a day I would treasure greatly as it meant so much to Noah.  Noah asked some additional questions in which Coach gave honest answers.  “If you will have me, I’d love to commit to play for you at Avila”, was Noah’s words to him.  This was followed by the smile everyone has come to know and love from DC.  They shook hands and hugged it out like a coach and player would.  The picture that followed will be one I cherish for a lifetime.

Noah’s start at Avila was one with success and struggles.  Like any new freshman, he was finding his way.  One thing was certain; he loved being a part of the Avila Baseball Team.  I was fortunate enough to be able to visit during the spring to catch some games.  Daryl recognized what this moment meant to Noah and me.  Noah was put in his first college game where he walked, stole a base and scored a run.  That night we celebrated.  I think back to that time and relate to so many others who have echoed their sentiments of DC, he knew the moments that would matter most.  Winning and losing were secondary to him, he capitalized on moments.

The summer of 2020 was transformational for Noah.  He saw the opportunity ahead and rededicated himself.  He worked hard over the summer and even cut his hair (This was a big step ☺).  He had been texting with Coach that summer and said that he was coming back refocused and changed.  It was noticed by DC.  As the players were arriving back on campus, Daryl tells the story: “I was greeted by a player who I didn’t recognize.  It was Noah.   He had short hair.  I said, ‘What’s up Stank (Noah’s nickname) you cut your hair. Looking good.”  Noah responded, “I told you I was coming back changed.”

The fall semester of 2020 met Noah with some academic challenges but he was devoted to get on the field in the spring so was getting everything in order.  Coach helped him and they had a plan in place.  Noah stayed in KC over Thanksgiving so he could focus on his schoolwork and use the facilities to work out.  As COVID was on campus, Noah had the opportunity to come home and do his work remotely but Noah wanted to be at Avila so he could have fewer distractions and be able to work out.  The evening videos he would send while being in the cages are ones that are the most special.  However, the decision for him to stay is obviously one we think back on very often.

December 10, 2020, (ironically 12/10) would be a day that would change our collective lives forever.  I remember calling Noah’s travel ball coach, Louie, for Daryl’s number.  From there I sent him a text that was hard to type and I am certain, hard to receive.  There had been an accident resulting in Noah’s passing.  It was from this day until today that I realize who Daryl Cronk was and is.   He was compassionate and committed to those that he gave his word.  See, as a parent you hope that your child chooses a school or baseball program, in this case, that has their best interest in mind.  Daryl and Avila were just that.

Over the next year, Daryl had been integral with Sharon and my healing.  There are so many instances to reflect on but without him, we would not be where we are today.  One of most heartfelt and thankful moments we reflect on is when we came to Avila in the spring to see a game and say thanks to the team by having a get together after the game.  Noah was introduced into the lineup that day, something that meant the world to us because Noah was looking forward to that.  We were presented with the game ball, that was pitched by one of Noah’s best friends on the team, and the lineup card.  DC knew the impact of every opportunity.  

We are eternally grateful for Daryl because he was our tie back to Avila.  So, as everyone was affected by December of 2021, so too were we.  We felt his loss tremendously.  I still have my message to Daryl on December 5th 2021 where I was asking him if we can donate something to the team.  Noah loved the “merch”, as the kids say.  Sharon and I were thinking personalized backpack, clothing, etc.  Something to say thank you to the team because they meant so much.  Daryl responded to me from the hospital, “Oh that’s so cool.  I will get some prices for you and get back with you.  I’m actually in ICU with COVID but hopefully out of here this week. Thanks again.”  Over the coming days we prayed hard and reflected.  The news of his passing welled up so many emotions for Sharon and me.  It had been only a year, so fresh on our minds.  We began to grieve more for all of Daryl’s family, Coach’s family, DC’s family.  There were so many he touched that his breadth was wide and loving.

We were able to come to KC and celebrate Daryl’s life during his funeral service.  Even with his passing I learned from others how Noah’s death affected him.  I was not surprised because what I learned and what I am reminded of today is that once you were one of his guys, it was for life.

Kristyn, thank you for letting me take this opportunity to share this with you.  As you can imagine, it was not easy but it surely is necessary, as I hold Daryl in the highest regards.  There is a quote, “You will never forget a person who came to you with a torch in the dark.”  We will never forget him.

Forever Linked, 

Mark and Sharon Stanakis | Parents

Our community is better for having had Daryl Cronk in it and while crushed to not have his physical presence on Earth with us today, the memory of the man who touched so many of us so profoundly, always brings a quick and easy smile. 

It was around 2010 that my son Alex and I had the great fortune of meeting Coach Cronk through the Building Champions baseball team. Alex made a quick connection with Daryl, and for me, it was immediately evident that Daryl was a kind, giving individual who was serving as a wonderful role model of what a man should be for my son.  That was just the beginning.

Daryl mattered. He made a difference. His great generosity and willingness to share both his time and talent had a profound and lasting impact on both Alex and me. At the time, I was a single mother, working as a teacher and also held two additional part-time jobs in order to make ends meet while providing Alex with the baseball lessons he so deserved and the opportunity to throw the ball with a man he could look up to… the one thing he so desired. 

I’m not sure how Daryl knew that I was barely making it financially, but he took it upon himself to offer to give Alex baseball lessons~free of charge; and he made me feel as though it was something he WANTED to do.  Daryl’s willingness to give selflessly to help others speaks to both his heart and the quality of his character. He made a commitment to share the most precious of resources – his time – in order to make life better for those who were in need. 

The fruits of Daryl’s labor made a tangible impact, of course, but perhaps it is the fact that he was willing to share his time and talent to provide more than just baseball lessons that made the greatest difference.  Serving as a mentor for what kindness, caring, giving and being a man looks like had the most influence in the lives of the young men who were touched by Daryl’s generosity. 

While I know that Daryl chose to give of himself selflessly and without expectation of being recognized or rewarded, today I wish to do just that. The world should know that Daryl’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of so many is beyond appreciated.  I am forever grateful for the impact and impression he made on the remarkable man that I call my son. Daryl made a difference and words cannot adequately express the gratitude that I wish to convey. Daryl’s gift is recognized, appreciated, valued and cherished. We will forever be thankful for having had Daryl in our lives.

Renée Lange | Parent

I’ve loved baseball for as long as I can remember. I started pitching lessons with Coach Cronk when I was 7 years old, and I remember thinking how cool it was that my pitching coach was the head coach of a

college baseball team. At our 2nd lesson Cronk asked me if I wanted to be the bat boy for Avila and, even though I had no idea what that was at the time, I said yes. Not only did Cronk teach me pitching drills and fundamentals during our lessons, but he also taught me what it meant to have baseball IQ by explaining how to approach different situations as they happened during the Avila games. Cronk always made me feel like I was a member of the Avila team during my 5 years of being bat boy. He let me come early for batting practice and warm-ups and shake hands at the end of each game with the rest of the team. He even let me ride on the team bus to an away game in Iowa once. Cronk was a true leader and always wanted to help his players succeed. Cronk taught me everything I know about pitching, but more than that, he taught me what it meant to be a good person on and off the field. I can still hear him in my head today when I’m struggling on the mound, “start high – release low,” something I heard so many times during our lessons. I always think, what would Cronk want me to do, and I correct my attitude and go back to the mechanics. Cronk used to come to my games and watch me play; something I took for

granted at the time. Now that he’s watching them from heaven, I hope he see’s how far I’ve come and knows how much of an impact he had on my life.

Brody Wilp | Player

There is just too much to say about Coach Daryl Cronk in one short testimonial. He was one of the greatest men and coaches of all time. We met thru a mutual friend, Neal Rice. Daryl became my son, Brody Wilp’s personal pitching coach at age seven. From day one he made Brody feel like he could learn and do anything from that mound. Daryl had an amazing way of making players feel comfortable during lessons. He not only taught Brody how to pitch, but also how to control his emotions and respect the game no matter what the situation may be. From age seven to age 14 when coach passed, he was Brody’s private coach and most of all his friend. He treated Brody like one of his players. Coach invited him not long after starting to train him to become the Avila baseball bat boy. This will be something that both me and my son will cherish for our lifetime. He not only let him be bat boy, but he also invited him on team trips and to warm up before the game with the team. He was always so good at getting the best out of Brody. The grins on both Brody and Coach’s face when he would perfect a new pitch was always the highlight of my day. I know now Coach DC is watching over Brody both on the mound and in life. If it were not for his generosity towards us, Brody would not be the pitcher & player he is today.

Jeffrey Wilp | Parent

Few people care about you and even fewer will go out of their way to support you. However, Daryl Cronk was a person that cared for and supported everyone. His compassion for others led him to touch the lives of many. Through Daryl’s acts of support and guidance, he fulfilled the dreams of those around him. Dreams of wanting to become a college baseball player, receiving a college education, supporting a family, and becoming a better person. Although few people can fill Daryl’s shoes, the world would be better if everyone tried.

Dylan Carnahan | Player

Coach Cronk gave me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and move half way across the country to play baseball at Avila. The time I spent playing for and coaching with Coach Cronk were such memorable years. I learned a lot about the game from him, but I think he taught me more about being a man. He was someone you could count on. He just found a way to let you know he cared or that he was thinking of you. He showed up for big moments. He gave everything he could to everyone he could. He’s one of the greatest men I had the pleasure of knowing. Im fortunate to have called him Coach and a friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him giving me an opportunity and I am forever grateful for him. 

Brandon Chandler | Player

DC has a significant impact on my life it and would be completely different without him. He took a chance on a New Zealand kid who had played less than a year of baseball and brought me into not only the Avila baseball program, but let me live at his house when I first arrived. He literally let a stranger stay at his house, which shows his generosity. DC’s lessons went far beyond the white lines of the field. He preached the lessons you can learn from baseball about being a great man and a good person. Life was bigger than baseball and he taught us all that lesson. He taught me that if you work hard on the field, in the weight room and in the class room, if you took care of your brothers and had their backs always, then that will set you up to be a good man and do the same for your family, as that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day. He is a great man and a great family man, and I have the utmost respect for everything he did for me and so many others before and after me. Also, I couldn’t leave out that he was the worlds best BP thrower. 

Jarome McKenzie | Player

Coach Cronk was impacting my life from when I first got to Kansas City. It started at first by being able to call a city I never thought I would go to my second home and introducing me to people who I consider family. Over the years he’s someone I would talk to for advice and to me someone (whose) opinion I would value. One thing that always sticks in my mind that he told us my last game at Avila is that there is so much more to life and honestly after this past year I hear those words loud and clear. All I can do is smile thinking of the countless stuff I remember with him not only how he impacted my life but also a lot of other people as well. 

Tommy Blood | Player