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Doughty, a senior left-handed pitcher, will ink his letter at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. He is the first Division I baseball player at Croton since Dave Carr (1978), who attended the University of Miami.
"There were many factors that went into my decision," Doughty said. "I wanted a school with a good baseball program and excellent academics. That is why I considered schools in the Patriot League, such as Bucknell and Lafayette and (Ivy League school) Cornell. I'm really happy with my decision and can't wait for next year."
Croton coach Eric Rosen said Doughty has unlimited potential and expected another good season this coming spring.
"Christian was among the leaders in strikeouts and earned run average," Rosen said. "We are expecting an even bigger year from him this season. His fastball tops out at 85-86 and he throws a knuckle-curve and change-up. He throws all his pitches for strikes and throws any of them at any point in the count."
Doughty's summer league career with the Taconic Rangers with coach Bob Fletcher and former coach Ted Lawrence helped develop his game.
"Coach Fletcher has connections with so many coaches and scouts," Doughty said. "He got me the exposure I needed and helped out in the whole process," Doughty said. "Coach Lawrence taught me so much about myself as a player and as a person. I wouldn't be where I am today without him."
Doughty said Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., was at the top of his list and an official visit to the school last spring sealed the deal.
"Being there for a weekend solidified it," Doughty said. "The Holy Cross coaching staff is great. I watched the Patriot League championship up at West Point, my dad's alma mater, and was very impressed with the team."
Doughty also has worked with Dave Fleming, a standout at Mahopac High School in the late 1980s who went on to pitch for the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals.
"I'm working to strengthen my body as well as my arm," Doughty said. "Lifting, running, and throwing in the off season and through the spring and summer puts me in a great position into the fall. (Fleming) has me diagnose and help fix any small flaws to help me improve."
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