IOWA - Prep Baseball Iowa is proud to announce the promotion of Tyler Cropley to State Director, ushering in a new era of scouting, player development, and baseball coverage across the state.

Since joining Prep Baseball Iowa as Assistant State Director in May of 2025, Cropley has quickly become an integral part of our organization's growth and success. His passion for Iowa baseball, extensive playing experience, and ability to connect with players, coaches, and families have made an immediate impact throughout the state.

"Tyler has hit the ground running from day one and has become instrumental in every aspect of Prep Baseball Iowa," said Rob Allison, Prep Baseball Upper Midwest Supervisor. "His baseball background, work ethic, and character are second to none. As my focus continues to expand across the Upper Midwest, it's important that Iowa's players and families have a dedicated leader who can remain fully focused on serving them. I'm confident Tyler will continue to elevate what we do in Iowa and help take us to new heights."

A native of Sioux City, Iowa, Cropley began his baseball journey at Westside Little League before playing travel baseball with the Siouxland Stars. He went on to star at Bishop Heelan High School, where he was a three-time All-State selection in baseball and helped lead the football team to a state championship in 2013. During his senior baseball season, he set school records for doubles in a season (20) and career RBIs (142).

Following high school, Cropley continued his playing career at Iowa Western Community College. As a sophomore, he earned First Team All-Region honors after hitting .403 with five home runs, nine doubles, 27 RBIs, and 35 runs scored. During his two seasons with the Reivers, Iowa Western posted a 106-22 record and advanced to the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, both years.

Cropley then transferred to the University of Iowa, where he put together a standout senior season. He led the Hawkeyes in batting average (.342), doubles (20), home runs (9), RBIs (50), and runs scored (43). His performance earned First Team All-Big Ten honors, Second Team All-America recognition from Collegiate Baseball, and a spot as a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher.

In 2018, Cropley was selected in the eighth round of the MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals, becoming the first Iowa catcher drafted within the first eight rounds since 1972. After beginning his professional career in the Nationals organization, he later joined the Kansas City Royals and spent three seasons with the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals before reaching the Major Leagues. On September 19, 2023, Cropley made his MLB debut with Kansas City, recording his first career hit and RBI in the same game.

First big league knock for @Royals rookie Tyler Cropley! pic.twitter.com/hW1ifL2BWy

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 20, 2023

Following his playing career, Cropley returned to Iowa City to complete his undergraduate degree while joining Rick Heller's staff at the University of Iowa. He served as both a student assistant and later as Director of Programs and Player Strategies, further developing his expertise in player evaluation, development, and program operations.

As State Director, Cropley will oversee Prep Baseball Iowa's scouting coverage, events, rankings, player evaluations, and relationships throughout the state's baseball community while continuing the organization's commitment to providing unmatched exposure and opportunities for Iowa's players.

"I’m incredibly excited to take over Prep Baseball Iowa after spending the past year as assistant and learning from the ground up," says Cropley. "I bring a unique perspective to scouting that values not just physical tools but the instincts, intangibles and competitiveness that separate players. I look forward to providing unmatched exposure and opportunities for the state’s players and am eager to hit the ground running in this next chapter for Prep Baseball Iowa."

Please join us in congratulating Tyler Cropley on his promotion to State Director as he leads Prep Baseball Iowa into its next chapter.

You can follow Tyler on X at: @TylerCropley.