WMBD/WYZZ-TV - WASHINGTON, Ill. -- Grant Escue likes to be first.

The Washington senior is one of the first recruits for the new baseball program at Illinois-Springfield. Escue signed his National Letter of Intent with UIS Thursday.

"I think I might have been one of the first guys to officially commit to the program which is unique," said Escue. "Not too many guys can say that. I think that's pretty cool. It means a lot."