Radford University’s baseball completed its coaching staff as head coach Joe Raccuia announced Monday morning that one of the program’s best was coming home as Jeff Kemp was named the Highlanders new hitting coach.
In his new role with the Highlanders, Kemp will serve as the hitting coach in addition to the working with the infielders and outfielders, while helping with all recruiting aspects.
“In 2007, I had the privilege of recruiting Jeff and making him part of the most important recruiting class in Radford baseball history. Since that time, our program has risen to a national contender,” Raccuia said. “Jeff was one of the best leaders and players in the history of this program.”
Kemp’s hire comes after the promotion of Justin Willard to pitching coach earlier in the summer. After being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 33rd round of the 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, the Bowie, Md., native spent five seasons in the Orioles organization, reaching Double-A.
“I want to thank Coach Raccuia for giving me the opportunity to begin my coaching career at the place where it all started,” Kemp said. “I made a lot of great memories here as a student-athlete and I’m looking forward to making many more as a coach.”
Playing his final Minor League Baseball game on August 17, Kemp chose to retire and join his alma mater as the Highlanders are coming off their second Big South Tournament Championship in three seasons. Across five professional seasons, Kemp finished with a .242 average with 303 hits and 163 runs in 338 games. Kemp tallied 19 home runs, 63 doubles and 122 RBIs across four different levels.
Serving as a two-year captain of the Highlanders, Kemp was an All-Big South selection twice in addition to becoming the only player in program history to be named Big South Freshman of the Year in 2009.
“Radford Baseball has been a huge part of my adult life,” Kemp added. “This program means a great deal to me and I am proud that I get a chance to be a part of this family once again.”
Starting 183 of the 185 games he appeared in over his five-year Radford career, Kemp finished with an average of .302, while driving in 145 runs on 23 home runs and 43 doubles. Walking 80 times in his career, Kemp is the program’s leader in career hit by pitches with 39.
Becoming the second former professional baseball player on Raccuia’s staff, Kemp rounds out a staff that all hold a degree from Radford University.
“When we had the opening, it was obvious to me that Jeff could make another huge impact on Radford University,” Raccuia noted. “His ability to communicate along with his leadership qualities will be infectious with our players and in the recruiting world.”
–RU Athletics
