Conversations with College Coaches: Radford University
Baseball Factory is privileged to work with programs from every level of college baseball. We strive to educate and guide our players when it comes to choosing the right school. In our latest interview, Matt Schilling spoke with Coach Joe Raccuia from Radford University. Radford is a Division I program out of the Big South Conference. Check out players that have come through Baseball Factory to play for Coach Raccuia and the Highlanders.
1. How long have you been coaching? How long at Radford’s program?
This is my 15th year of coaching college baseball. I have been at Radford for four years as the head baseball coach.
2. Who are some of your mentors or coaches that you look up to?
Some of the coaches that I have had the privilege to work under have also been mentors of mine throughout my career. Tom Walter of Wake Forest and Bill Brown of George Mason are two people that taught me a ton about the game and how to run a program.
3. What is the first thing about your school and program that you’d want a recruit to know about?
That I am a proud alumnus of Radford University.
4. What do you look for in a prospective recruit for your team?
We look for baseball players. I know that sounds like the standard answer but we want players that enjoy playing and being at the field. We like athletic kids that are always looking to improve their game. We want our athletes to respect the classroom and respect the opportunity they have been provided both on and off the field.
5. How does video footage help you in the recruiting process?
Video is extremely important in recruiting. It may be the first time we get a chance to see you do anything baseball related. It can make us want to go out and see a player perform in person or it may cross a prospect off the list.
6. Do you recruit from Junior Colleges?
Yes we do recruit from JC’s. It is not where we make our living but we do go that route from time to time. On average I would say one per year.
7. Can you break down your fall practice schedule? What do you try to accomplish?
Our fall practice is the time where we not only compete for jobs but where we also implement our style of play. I want to see guys handle competitive situations. We play intra squad games at least three times per week. Over a 45 day window we focus in on individual skill development, team concepts and competitive scrimmages.
8. Do you have a strength and conditioning coach?
Last year RU hired Coach Michael Shumaker as our strength coach. He has been the most important and best hire this RU athletics has ever made for our athletes (especially baseball). He is off the charts!
9. What is your favorite away game/series/ballpark?
Our annual trip to play at UVA is always a great atmosphere to play in.
10. What do you think of the new BBCOR bats?
I was not a big fan at first but as the season has progressed I have started to warm up to them. I think the players are starting to adjust to them as well.
11. Anything planned for your facilities (upgrades, changes, etc.)?
We just opened up our new stadium with lights a few weeks ago. We now have a 700 seat, all chairback stadium with new lights and a new sound system. Last year we put in a whole new playing surface, new drainage and irrigation and brand new dugouts.
12. Is there anything you would like to add about your assistant coaches, recruits, parents, or program that we have not asked you about?
I am very fortunate to have had an opportunity to work at and rebuild the baseball program at RU. The assistant coaches share the same passion and vision for the program that I have and it shows on the field. Over the past few years the community is beginning to embrace the baseball program and they understand we are building something special here at RU.
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