Biagini Agrees to Free Agent Contract With Tampa Bay

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Biagini Agrees to Free Agent Contract With Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. – Former VMI third baseman Tanner Biagini has agreed to a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization, according to information released late Tuesday.

Biagini was the three-year starting third baseman for the Keydets, as he saw action in 175 contests during his career at the Institute. He posted a career batting average of .303, including .343 in his impressive sophomore campaign, and had the ninth-most doubles in school history (39) over his four years at VMI.

“I've been down in Tampa for about a week,” stated Biagini. “They've been trying out players, and wanted to make sure that I was healthy and in baseball shape. I'm excited to get to continue my playing career, and thankful for everybody who has helped me get to this point.”

During the aforementioned 2008 year, Biagini had a career-high 10 home runs and 46 runs batted in. He was named First Team All-State by the Virginia Sports Information Directors for his performance, which included tying for the fifth-most hits in school history (74). He also tied for the ninth-most hits in VMI single-season annals when he posted 71 in the 2009 season, in addition to hitting .317 with nine home runs. Biagini went 4 for 5 in the Keydets' first-round Big South Championship win over Gardner-Webb that season, helping VMI to its first postseason victory since joining the conference.

He was drafted by Oakland in the 2009 MLB Draft (50th round), marking the second time he had been chosen (2006 – Los Angeles Dodgers), but he chose to remain at VMI for his senior season. Unfortunately, that campaign was cut short by injury, but not before the senior hit .288 with a quartet of home runs and added nine doubles to his resume as well. He also went 2 for 4 in the Keydets' April 14 rout of then-#1 Virginia, helping VMI to its first win over a top-ranked opponent.

“I am proud of Tanner,” said VMI head coach Marlin Ikenberry. “He is not only a great player, but also a great leader. He exemplifies what it means to be a VMI man.”

It is believed that Biagini will begin his pro career by reporting to the Gulf Coast (GCL) Rays, who currently have a 9-11 record and are in third place in the GCL's South Division. He will join his father, Greg, as pro baseball veterans. The elder Biagini was a seven-year minor league veteran, reaching a high of Triple-A in 1979 before turning his hand to managing, where he won two Triple-A championships. He was also a major league hitting coach for Baltimore, and served various other roles in other organizations.
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Players Mentioned

Tanner Biagini

#24 Tanner Biagini

IF
6' 2"
Senior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Tanner Biagini

#24 Tanner Biagini

6' 2"
Senior
R/R
IF