RADFORD, Va. – Six high school athletes, including four from Virginia, have signed letters of intent during the fall signing period to join the Radford baseball program in 2009-10, second-year head coach Joe Raccuia announced on Monday.

“We were much more position-specific with this class,” Raccuia said of the new group of Highlanders. “Being our second year here, we had a chance to key on positions, unlike last year where we sought the best athletes available. Once again, assistant coaches Brian Anderson and Allen Rice did a good job of locking down guys to fit in our system. These six players have a chance to contribute right away, and I think we have a group of first-class student athletes.”

Phil Bondi – 6-1, 185; INF-OF (R/R); Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area

Raccuia's take – “We were lucky that Phil was available this late, because he fits our offensive philosophy perfectly. He's athletic, a 6.6 (60 ft.) runner, and a player that will help us all over the field.”
• 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/WPIAL All-Section shortstop, Allegheny Times Class AAA Top-20 player, Post-Gazette West All-Star team member.
• In 2008, Bondi led Moon Area in hits, batting average and stolen bases; he was a varsity letterman in baseball and football.
• Played for the Allegheny Pirates fall team coaches by Fred Alberts in 2008.


Ryan Burgess – 6-0, 185; OF-1B (L/L); Richmond, Va./Steward School

Raccuia's take – “Ryan was our first player to commit in this class and we think he has the potential to put up some serious offensive numbers at Radford. We have been looking for left-handed power, and Ryan fits our mold perfectly.”
• 2008 All-Virginia Commonwealth Conference (VCC) selection, VCC All-Tournament pick at Steward.
• Top hitting prospect at Perfect Game Mid-Atlantic Underclass Showcase; selected to play in the 2009 Impact Baseball Futures All-Star Game.
• Playing in 2008 for the North Hurricanes summer/fall team coached by Jeff Petty.


Eddie Butler – 6-2, 165; RHP (S/R); Chesapeake, Va./Greenbrier Christian

Raccuia's take – “Eddie has an electric arm and stuff, and we truly believe he has a chance to win a lot of games for us. We wanted a front-of-the-rotation guy, and I think he'll be able to fill that role sooner than later.”
• Member of the 2008 VISAA State Championship team (Division II) at Greenbrier Christian coached by Gary Lavelle.
• Nominated to play in the 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games.
• On the State-by-State Follow Draft List for Virginia by Perfect Game in 2008; Ranked the 17th-best prospect in Virginia by Perfect Game.
• Played for the P.B. Baseball summer team coached by Pete Berrios in 2008; played for Lee Banks' Tidewater Orioles fall team.


Brandon Crigger – 6-0, 175; LHP (L/L); St. Leonard, Md./Calvert

Raccuia's take – “Brandon is a pitcher that we think will come in and help us immediately. He has a good arm and breaking ball, along with a competitive nature that will allow him to log a lot of innings early in his career.”
• Calvert High School team MVP in 2008; all-conference utility player of the year.
• Played for the North Hurricanes summer team coached by Jeff Petty in 2008; spent the fall with the Oriolander team coached by Dean Albany; selected to play for Team Maryland.
• Ranked the 8th-best prospect in Maryland by Perfect Game; on the State-by-State Follow Draft List in Maryland by Perfect Game.

Cory Turner – 5-10, 185; OF (L/R); Manassas, Va./Osbourn

Raccuia's take – “Cory is an impact left-handed hitter that can help us immediately. He's a good runner with a plus-arm that we anticipate will hit in the middle of our order and drive in a lot of runs.”
• Team MVP at Osbourne in 2008; First Team All-Cedar Run District utility player; Second Team All-Northwest Region utility player; second team all-district pitcher (8-1, 1.60 ERA).
• Played for the North team in the 2008 Coventry Commonwealth Games.
• Played for the Oriolander fall team coached by Dean Albany.


Daniel Wright – 6-1, 200; C (R/R); Weyers Cave, Va./Fort Defiance

Raccuia's take – “Daniel is a big, physical catcher that throws exceptionally well, and definitely has the ability to come in and play early in his career. Aside from his abilities, Daniel's character is off the charts and something that pushed us to sign him.”
• Team MVP in 2008 at Fort Defiance; Southern Valley District Player of the Year; All-Southern Valley First Team catcher and second team pitcher; First Team All-Region III catcher; second team all-state catcher.
• Played for the West team in the 2008 Coventry Commonwealth Games.
• On the 2008 State-by-State Follow Draft List in Virginia by Perfect Game.