Randy Smith
The popularity of college baseball has been climbing for several years and there is no indication it's leveling off. It's always been big in the south but interest has grown considerably in other areas of the country...even the Big Ten. Locally, the Tennessee Volunteers are ranked as the third best team in the country and if you haven't watched them play in the last year or so, what have you been doing? Coach Tony Vitello's squad is currently 34-7 and in second place in the SEC East standings.
They trail only Kentucky...a team the Vols beat twice in Lexington this past weekend.
Taking the series two games to one was a big deal for Tennessee baseball. It's getting to the point that tickets are getting harder and harder to get for home games at Lindsey Nelson Stadium which is going through phase one of a renovation project, that will increase seating from 5,600 or so to more than 8,000 by 2025. More dining options and easier access will make it one of college baseball's best venues.
Like previous teams at Tennessee the 2024 team is fun and exciting to watch. On Sunday's rubber game against Kentucky, Christian Moore blasted three home runs helping lead the Volunteers to a 13-11 come from behind win over the Wildcats. Under Vitello's leadership, Tennessee has developed a "quick strike" offense that is among the nation's very best in batting average and home runs. Moore and teammate Blake Burke have staged a battle for the Vols' career home run record all season long.
There are many factors as to why Tennessee baseball is growing more and more popular...but the biggest reason is winning. Fans won't get excited about going to watch a team with a losing record play but they will support a winner and Tennessee has most certainly been that. Since Tony Vitello took over in 2018, the Volunteers are 269-106 with two trips to the College World Series, including last year. Adding to the Tennessee mystique are several ejections and a few suspensions to go along with players hitting home runs and putting on a fur coat and "Daddy" hat in the dugout.
Several times a year, I've pushed for UTC to bring back baseball but every time I do it falls upon deaf ears. It's been 44 years since the Mocs had a baseball team as they fell victim to Title IX and I have never gotten a response from anyone at the University. I guess we'll just continue to hope there will be a change of heart as we focus our attention on Tony and his Vols.
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Randy Smith can be reached at rsmithsports@epbfi.com.