“It’s a great opportunity to be back around the program I grew up around,” Burkey said. “I feel like I know so many great people that have been in this program and through it. … I’m just really excited to continue that legacy — continue their legacy — with guys like Coach Smith and Coach Palmer. Both have played here, Division I after and pro ball, and they have a lot of great experience. I’m really looking forward to being with those two guys learning how to do everything.”

Meanwhile, Palmer was a standout on the mound for the Raiders in 1999 and 2000 before playing in the Major Leagues from 2008-12. As a rookie in 2009, he outdueled future Hall of Fame hurler C.C. Sabathia at Yankee Stadium on the way to winning 11 games as a rookie.

“Matt’s resume speaks for himself — 14 years of professional baseball and he was 11-2 one year in the big leagues (in 2009),” Smith said. “I know from just talking with people he was the same guy in the big leagues that he was at Three Rivers where he was a strike thrower.

“He was (throwing) 89-92 (miles per hour) and just able to pitch. … It’s one of those deals where he’s been there and he’s done it. He’s done everything you can pretty much do in baseball. And our guys we bring in, they’re going to have a real luxury to learn from him.”

Smith, Burkey and Palmer will have a talented team to work with ahead of the start of the fall scrimmage season and next February’s season opener. The Raiders have added several Division I transfers and have added some solid local talent, including Poplar Bluff’s Noah Spain and Dylan Hall, plus Twin Rivers standout Luke Hester.

“I’m really excited about the class we’re bringing in,” Smith said. “We had some good things happen last year. We’ve got a lot of momentum going on with facility upgrades and having those two guys drafted (Hayden Cuthbertson and Kailen Hamson) in this year’s draft — and winning a postseason game (this past spring). We’ve got a lot of momentum and I really like the class we got coming in.

“I’m really excited to see how they develop and that’s what’s awesome. We’ve gotten better every year since I’ve been here, and I’ve got these two guys (coaching) who are going to make that even better. I know if I’m excited to get to listen and learn from them every day, our players should be doubly excited.”

Burkey echoes Smith’s sentiments.

“I’m really looking forward to helping these guys develop any way I can,” Burkey said. “A lot of guys, it’s their first time living away from home — and that’s huge. That’s a big part in someone’s life. I’m just looking to bring value and see how I can pour into these guys every single day. If I can just help one guy a day, that’s a that’s a win in my book — but not just helping them develop on the field, but off the field as well.”

This story will be updated.