 Crosby while a player at Yale, c. 1891 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 22, 1868 Halcott Centre, New York, U.S. |
| Died | December 29, 1892 (aged 24) New York City, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1890–1891 | Yale |
| Position(s) | Right end |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1892 | Navy |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 5–2 |
Benjamin Lewis Crosby Jr. (March 22, 1868 – December 29, 1892) was an American college football player and coach. Born in Halcott Centre, New York, Crosby attended Yale University beginning in 1889; while there, he was a popular student and sportsman. He was a two-year starter on the football team and a backup on the crew team. During his junior year, he was replaced on the football team by freshman Frank Hinkey and never returned to a starting position. The remainder of Crosby's time at Yale was successful and he enrolled at the New York Law School after graduation.
Crosby was invited in 1892 to serve as head coach of the United States Naval Academy football program. He accepted the position, and, using unusually rigorous practicing strategies, led the team to a 5–2 record, culminating in an upset victory over rival Army in the Army–Navy Game. He received commendation for the victory, including a gift of a personalized trophy. Following the season's conclusion, Crosby returned to New York to continue his studies, but he was hospitalized after an illness he contracted while coaching worsened shortly after his arrival. He died from typhoid fever in late December, at the age of 24.