By BY BRUCE HIXON – SPORTS EDITOR
Better now than later was a big reason why T.R. Miller Tigers infielder Baxley Raines decided to take advantage of college baseball's early signing period.
Raines became the first T.R. Miller player to sign a Division I scholarship Thursday when he put his name on a Troy University Trojans letter of intent.
Last spring Raines received Honorable Mention on the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State Team when he hit .463 (44-for-95) with 13 doubles, two triples, a school record eight homeruns and 31RBIs.
Raines said he wanted to play the upcoming spring season without the pressure of making a college decision.
Raines is headed to a Troy program that went 47-16 last spring and advanced to the championship round of the Tuscaloosa Regional.
Raines has primarily played second base and shortstop with the Tigers along with pitching duties.
Hart said Raines' versatility makes him a valuable commodity.
Hart said he would not be surprised to see Raines contribute right away at Troy.
Troy coach Bobby Pierce said Raines' athleticism was a key selling point.
Raines, who had also received letters of interest from Birmingham Southern, Auburn, Memphis, Alabama-Birmingham, Jacksonville State, Montevallo and numerous community junior colleges, also expects an adjustment period.