A pair of former Richmond baseball players will continue to be diamond teammates, stay close to home and get lower-division college requirements out of the way.

Ex-Raider catcher Garrett McInnis and third baseman Corey Wallace on Tuesday signed letters of intent to play baseball at Southeastern Community College in Whiteville.

According to Southeastern assistant coach Daniel Rabon, both ex-Raiders are coming in to the Ram program at a very good time.

“We were a very sophomore-laden team last year,” Rabon said.

“We’re bringing in a lot of freshmen, so we will need for some guys to come right in and step up right away.”

Southeastern lost 14 sophomores off this season’s team.

Rabon said the Southeastern program established a relationship with Richmond coach Ricky Young when he was at West Columbus.

“Ricky always sends us quality guys, and he said he had a couple of guys who could help us out,” Rabon said.

Southeastern competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association, in Division 2, Region 10.

McInnis plans to major in history, with an eye toward earning a teaching credential.

He’s excited about the opportunity to continue playing baseball.

“It’s a chance for me to get an education while still playing the game I love,” McInnis said.

Richmond coach Young said Southeastern will be getting a durable backstop who was a team leader for the Raiders in 2010.

“Garrett did a great job handling our pitchers,” Young said. “He got some key hits for us, as well.

Wallace, meanwhile, plans to major in general studies, with an eye on computer science and getting lower-division required courses under his belt.

And playing a little baseball, as well. Wallace also considered walking on at Appalachian State University, but ultimately decided to stay close to home.

Wallace played third pace and pitched for Richmond.

He said Southeastern is looking at him to primarily play third base.

"I'm ready to get back in uniform and get out there," Wallace said.

Wallace was one of Richmond's leading hitters and offensive stalwarts in 2010.

Often batting in the cleanup spot, Wallace hit .413 and led the Raiders in homers with eight. He drove in 32 runs.

Young said both players will be missed.

"Garrett and Corey are both great kids, real high-character guys," Young said. "I'm sure they'll represent our program very well."

Getting players to the next level is a focus for Young, who just completed his first season as the Raiders' skipper.

"Of course, we want to win games, but it's also about creating opportunities for guys to play at the next level," Young said. “When we can send guys to play in college, it’s always a good thing for our program.”

Contact sports editor David Vantress at 997-3111, ext. 14 or via email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.