Cole Cramer, second baseman for the TCU Horned Frogs, has been a steady presence in the lineup and the clubhouse since transferring from Washington State in 2024. From a junior college field in Oregon to All-Pac-12 recognition in 2024, Cramer has now carved out his place as the reliable leadoff batter for Frogball.  

Starting all 59 games in his first season at TCU, he drew the most walks on the team and hit .320 on the year with 14 extra-base hits. He earned 2025 Big 12 All-Tournament Team honors for his postseason performance.  

Now he’s a senior and a leader in the clubhouse.

TCU Magazine spoke to Cramer about his journey from Arlington, Wash. to Fort Worth, the grind of a 60-game season and his mentorship of the young 2026 Horned Frog roster.

You spent your entire life living in the Pacific Northwest before coming to TCU. How was that transition?

It was really smooth; it is a lot different over here, a different lifestyle. I love the weather. Growing up and playing baseball when it’s 32 degrees out, I appreciate coming to the field in the middle of February when it’s 75 and sunny.

Cole Cramer was sold on TCU after coming to campus as a visiting player in 2024. “When you’re playing a midweek game on a Tuesday, and you show up and there’s 5,000 people in a place that’s rocking, that’s really cool.” Courtesy of TCU Athletics

What was something about TCU that made you want to transfer here?

When I was at Washington State, we played TCU in a midweek game, and they sold out. I remember coming down thinking this place is really cool. When you’re playing a midweek game on a Tuesday, and you show up and there’s 5,000 people in a place that’s rocking, that’s really cool. You’re like, “Man I want to go play at a place where they get a bunch of fans to come to games and the people are passionate about baseball.”

You’re the only returning starter to play all 59 games last season. How do you maintain that level of consistency both physically and mentally throughout the season?

Just staying consistent with the habits. Getting in the training room, doing what you have to do in lift and just not trying to overdo things. If something’s not feeling great, make sure you get in treatment to get it worked on. The more you play, the more you get used to it.

Those first couple weeks usually are the toughest. I think we do a good job in the fall and this early spring of really playing a lot of baseball so you can get used to that. Once you get back into the swing of things by that third or fourth week you can get your legs back under you, and it’s pretty smooth from there.

You led the team in walks last year with 43. Is that patient approach something that comes naturally, or is that something you’ve had to develop over your years of college baseball?

When I was in junior college, I was like, “How quickly can I see the first pitch, or how quickly can I get on base?” As I’ve developed more as a hitter, I’ve learned that if we can make that guy on the mound work more and I can have a long at bat and we can get the pitchers out early, that can help us not only in that game but help us in the rest of the weekend series.

In my book, a walk is a hit. I know what my role is: There are bigger dudes who hit balls a little farther than me that hit behind me, so if I can get on base for those guys, I can let them do their job.

Cramer notched career hit No. 150 during a 20-1 win over New Haven on March 1. Courtesy of TCU Athletics

Off the field, what do you do to rewind and reset throughout a long season?

I have great teammates. If I’m not on the field, I’m with them. We play a lot of golf, we mix in some fishing, we go play basketball. Friendly competition keeps us busy. We go to the football games. We went to the basketball game against Iowa State. Soccer in the fall is very fun; we go to quite a few soccer games. Just being able to support other athletes is really cool. I enjoy watching all the other sports. Looking back, I would love to be a soccer player. I’d also love to be a football player, but I chose baseball, and I’m glad I did.

You’re one of the veterans on this team. How has your role in the clubhouse changed?

Last year it was tough being a transfer and trying to play a vocal role, but you slowly work your way into it. Being in my fifth year, I’ve played enough college games to pick up on little cues from the other team. I always try to be a vocal leader for the guys and lead by example.

Editor’s Note: The questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity. 

— As told to Grant Harris