Larry Hypes
Contributing writer
CHRISTIANSBURG – A nice guy keeps finishing first.
Drew Bailey, a three-sport River Ridge District performer at Christiansburg High School, an All-Conference standout at Concord University, as well being drafted by the Oakland Athletics before becoming a championship coach at Bluefield State University, has added yet another distinction to his resume with the announcement that he will be inducted into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame Feb. 1.
“I am honored to be part of this distinguished group of individuals,” said Bailey, who was also accorded Hall of Fame honors at Concord in 2017. He was a dominant performer for the Mountain Lions, setting records for career saves (21), appearances (59) and helping CU to 91 victories for Coach Kevin Garrett’s diamond dandies.
Bailey will join former Boston Red Sox star Jackie Bradley, Jr., Salem Red Sox/Ridge Runners General Manager Allen Lawrence, veteran high school baseball coach Wes McMillan and Liberty High standout Donald Minnick, who was drafted by the Seattle Mariners.
He says many friends have helped him progress in his continuing baseball career.
The former Blue Demon pitcher credits a pair of long-time associates, Art Price and Chuck Muncy, for their impact in his S-R HOF selection.
“Art was the director at the Christiansburg Recreation Center when I was in school and he worked with youth all over the area,” he said. “We have been friends for years. Then Chuck was a key man at the Harkrader Sports Complex in town near the Christiansburg Middle School, which has hosted events like the Dixie Boys World Series and USSSA Baseball World Series. Both of those guys have been a big part of my sports career.”
He also points to the contributions of Mike White, who gave him his first opportunity to be a head coach at Bluefield University, where he began in 2014 and worked three seasons. Bailey is also proud of his time on Danny Evans’ American Legion Post 68 squad, where he still holds the record for lowest Earned Run Average in a season.
“Baseball has given me some tremendous opportunities and one of the greatest has been the relationships throughout my career. I have had some great coaches, terrific teammates, support from the community wherever I have been and my parents have always been there for me,” notes the former CHS hurler, who as a senior fired a pair of high school no-hitters and as a junior paced the RRD in strikeouts. His coach at Christiansburg was Tim Dunkelman, another pivotal person in his development.
“As an athlete, you always want to win,” continues Bailey. “But the journey is so special. I am thankful for those, so appreciative of the people I have come in contact with across the country, those in athletics, the business people who have helped all along the Bailey, now the head coach at his alma mater, has worked hard to keep the Mountain Lions moving forward.
In 2025, his first season at CU, the Mountain Lions won 25 games and qualified for the post-season conference tournament. A highlight was the victory over Millersville U., the first Concord triumph over a ranked opponent.
At Bluefield State, Bailey enjoyed a remarkable career (95 wins) with a pair of World Series crowns in the Historic Black College World Series, while winning a record 33 games in 2024. He began a program to emphasize academics and athletics, as well as guidance in career choices for the players on his teams. Before taking the reins at Bluefield State, Bailey was also the head coach at Averett University in Danville in 2018.
The 6-5, 220-lb. righthander became the first Concord player to be an MLB draft selection in 2010, by the Athletics. He played two seasons, in his first posting a 5-0 record with the “A” Vermont Lake Monsters, notching a 2.34 ERA.
Bailey and his wife, Emma, have four children, Paxton, Reagan, Stella and Beckham. His parents are Randy and Eva Bailey of Christiansburg and his brother is Kyle Bailey.
