RADFORD BASEBALL RECEIVES GENEROUS DONATION OF NEW VIDEO BOARD

Radford head baseball coach Joe Raccuia announced an exciting addition to the RU Baseball facility for the upcoming 2015 season courtesy of a remarkable gift from the family of one of Radford Baseball's all-time greatest players, Eddie Butler.

The program has been gifted a new state-of-the-art video board and scoreboard from Buter's step-grandfather, Mr. Paul Sioros. The gift is made in honor of Butler's grandmother, Shirley.

"It was my wife's dream to have this scoreboard to honor Radford University and her grandson, Ed Butler," Sioros said. "Unfortunately, my wife passed away last January and is not able to see her dream come true, however I am personally very excited about this project."

Butler, who reached the Major Leagues this past summer with the Colorado Rockies and was an MLB first-round draft pick in 2012, played for Raccuia and the Highlanders from 2010-12 earning Co-Big South Pitcher of the Year in 2012.

"I'd like to thank Mr. Sioros and his late wife Shirley on behalf of the Radford Baseball program," Raccuia said. "It is an honor to accept this gift and for him to be able to honor his late wife's wishes."

Radford Director of Athletics, Robert Lineburg, echoed his baseball coach's sentiment.

"On behalf of the entire athletics department, I want to thank Mr. Sioros for his incredible generosity. Over the years, Paul has consistently supported Radford Baseball and his most recent gift will help make our baseball stadium a tremendous venue enhancing the overall game experience," Lineburg said. "He is truly making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes, and we are so appreciative of his commitment to help give Radford Athletics the resources to support a high level Division I Baseball program."

The video board, a 35-foot, high definition LED display with live streaming and replay capabilities, sits atop an inning-by-inning scoreboard alongside lineup displays and player card packages.

"This addition is going to draw attention for our fan base," Raccuia said. "It's going to give a better fan experience for anyone who is in the stadium. It definitely puts us another step forward in capital improvements to the facility."

Sioros said he is a proud member of the Radford Athletics Club and has a friendship with Raccuia. "Coach Raccuia was very supportive of my step-grandson during his time at Radford," says Sioros.

"Mr. Sioros has become more than just a supporter of the program," Raccuia said. "He has become a personal friend. It says a lot about people and how they feel about our program and the friendships that have been formed. People see how much work we put into it and want to give to the program. It truly helps us succeed and helps our student-athletes have a better overall experience."

"I feel fortunate that I was able to be the facilitator of this project to fulfill my wife's dream and show our support of Ed Butler and the staff of Radford University," Sioros summarized.

The project is scheduled for completion before the Radford home opener against Binghamton on February 27.

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