Todd Raleigh has received his first “gorilla” commitment.

The University of Tennessee’s first-year baseball coach vowed from day one to play more “gorilla ball” as soon as he could recruit some big-time power hitters.

Say hello to UT’s newest commitment — Charley Thurber.

He’s a 6-foot-4, 220-pound outfielder at Elmira (N.Y.) Free Academy.

“That’s what coach Raleigh told me too, that I was his first gorilla,” Thurber said Tuesday. “I’m just honored to be a part of the program and hope it works out well.

“I wanted to go play for an SEC team from the get-go and I’ve always liked the orange and white. The staff there, from coach Raleigh, to coach (Bradley) LeCroy, to coach (Fred) Corral, seems awesome.”

Last season, Tennessee ranked eighth in the SEC with 49 home runs. By comparison, South Carolina hit 113, Arkansas 75, Florida 74 and Vanderbilt 66.

Raleigh wants to see those power numbers increase dramatically in the years to come.

Thurber, an all-state selection in New York, could be the first step.

He picked the Vols ahead of high-profile programs Georgia Tech and Mississippi State.

“My dad has already gone online looking to buy his Volunteer gear,” Thurber said. “I feel like I can really advance my game there and have a great chance of going to Omaha.

“I just want to go someplace where I can become a better person and a better player. Tennessee seemed like the best option for me.”

In three years, Thurber has a career batting average of .410 with 12 home runs and 87 RBI.

He was ranked the 65th best prospect out of 2,500 players at East Cobb’s World Wood Bat Tournament this past summer. Baseball America ranks him the 191st best high school prospect.

Thurber made his official visit to campus the weekend of the Arkansas State-at-UT football game.

“There was so much excitement and school spirit,” Thurber said. “It had a great home feel to it.

“I could tell it would be a great atmosphere to play down there and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”

Thurber also pitches, but the left-hander said his future most likely will land him in right field at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

“It’s an amazing option, athletically and academically,” he said. “It just seems like a great fit.”

Thurber joins other 2008-2009 commitments: Stephen McCray (Young Harris Junior College); Michael Hornsby (Young Harris Junior College); Matt Ramsey (Farragut); Clayton Gant (University School of Jackson); Steven Gruver (Canfield, Ohio), Hunter Daniel (Bearden), Adam Adkins (Goodpasture) and Josh Allman (Swain County, N.C.).

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.