The pairing seemed perfect—a young local pitcher drafted by a team starved for good pitching prospects. But the negotiations did not go perfectly.

“We kind of negotiated throughout the summer and it was an experience,” Crockett said.

Crockett was not the only Red Sox draftee to go unsigned. Boston lost out on two other of its selections from last year’s draft.

Since Crockett has returned to Harvard, the Red Sox were sold to new ownership. Most of the old regime—including former General Manager Dan Duquette and ex-scouting Director Wayne Britton, who was Crockett’s primary contact within the organization—have been replaced.

Boston’s new Director of Amateur Scouting David Chad says the door is still open for Crockett to someday play with his hometown team.

“We’re definitely still interested in Crockett,” Chad said. “I can’t comment on his ability because I haven’t seen him pitch yet. But we’re going to evaluate Ben like everyone else. Absolutely we’re still interested in him.”

The Red Sox lost their exclusive right to negotiate with Crockett when he began attending classes last fall. The team would have to pick him again in June to have another chance at signing him.

In the meantime, Harvard fans are more than excited to have Crockett back at O’Donnell Field. With Crockett again anchoring the Crimson rotation, the team has its sights set on an Ivy League championship.

“My goal, first and foremost, is to get another Ivy League Ring,” Crockett said. “If we win the League, that’s going to mean that we’re all playing pretty well. And hopefully, that’ll lead to good things in the draft.”

When Crockett walks off O’Donnell Field for the final time this year, it will be for good. Where he ends up after that is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure—the Red Sox will be watching.

Crockett’s saga may still have its happy ending.