Former and current Tennessee Volunteers are sending out recruiting beacons through social media coming out of Tennessee Baseball’s National Championship on Monday.
With Tennessee expecting significant turnover both starting in the field and on the mound this offseason, the Vols need to continue to reload with talent as the offseason begins.
Former Tennessee outfielder Drew Gilbert and National Championship-winning pitcher Drew Beam made their thoughts clear on Monday on why Tony Vitello’s Volunteers are a premier destination in all of college baseball.
Gilbert’s message to the transfer portal revolves around the development that offensive players can find on Rocky Top:
“If you’re a hitter in the transfer portal and you want to actually develop, you’d be crazy not to choose [Tennessee Baseball],” Gilbert posted to X on Wednesday afternoon. “Check the numbers if you don’t believe me.”
Gilbert, along with current Tennessee stars like Blake Burke and Christian Moore, have all taken advantage of Tennessee’s development at the plate. All three players significantly improved their hitting in their final seasons at Tennessee, leading to a head-start when trying to reach the top level of professional baseball.
As a .280 hitter in 65 games in 2023, Blake Burke put up a .379 average in 72 games in 2024. Christian Moore averaged .304 in 63 games last season but jumped all the way up to .375 in 72 games in 2024. Drew Gilbert, meanwhile, hit .274 in 68 games during the 2021 season before climbing all the way up to .362 during his final season in 2022. It’s a small sample showing, but there has been significant development at the plate for those willing to stay and develop in the program.
If you’re a hitter in the transfer portal and you want to actually develop, you’d be crazy not to choose @Vol_Baseball
Check the numbers if you don’t believe me— Drew Gilbert (@gillygoobear) June 26, 2024
Gilbert continued on to praise assistant coach Josh Elander.
“[Josh Elander] is the best hitting coach in the country and go ahead and ask anyone that’s been coached by him and they’ll say the same thing,” Gilbert said. “Go Vols always.”
Drew Beam’s message revolves around head coach Tony Vitello.
The Tennessee pitcher and in-state native posted a message to all high school players and portal prospects who are looking at Tennessee:
“If you are a high school player or a guy in the transfer portal, there is no other man in this world you should want to play for!” Beam wrote on Wednesday afternoon. “This man gives his all for his guys and would go to war for us. Ask anyone who has ever played for him. Go Vols baby!”
if you are a highschool player or a guy in the transfer portal, there is no other man in this world you should want to play for! this man gives his all for his guys and would go to war for us. ask anyone who has ever played for him, Go Vols baby!🍊💍 pic.twitter.com/dQZgERC8EL
— Drew Beam (@drewbeam_) June 26, 2024
More from RTI: Tennessee Baseball’s Tony Vitello Tabbed As National Coach Of The Year
Much has been said about Tony Vitello’s job leading Tennessee to their first championship in program history this season. While Vitello has drawn the praise of many around the sport with his infectious personality and sometimes unpredictable nature, he’s also been the focus of other’s hot takes.
But it’s no surprise to see one of Vitello’s longtime players like Beam point to his leadership in the program. Beam has seen Vitello lead Tennessee to the College World Series in all three of his years, orchestrating his team through the ups and downs of each season.
The player’s celebration with Vitello on the field was evidence of just how much the guys enjoy playing for their head coach.
Alright. Real talk. I hate the Vols, but I would love to play for Tony Vitello.
I mean, this is just real. Raw and real. As real as it gets. pic.twitter.com/1yM1UDOeK6
— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) June 25, 2024
Former Tennessee baseball coach Dave Serrano also chimed in on the conversation on Wednesday afternoon.
“As a coach myself, this is so refreshing to see,” Serrano posted to X, replying to Beam. “[Drew Beam] isn’t saying this just cause they won the NC, it’s been said by other players who didn’t win it all playing for Tony. He continues to show he is all about his players and that is refreshing to see in today’s world!”
As a coach myself, this is so refreshing to see. @drewbeam_ isn’t saying this just cause they won the NC, it’s been said by other players who didn’t win it all playing for Tony. He continues to show he is all about his players and that is refreshing in to see in today’s world https://t.co/w49RSpPizJ
— Dave Serrano (@DaveSerrano11) June 26, 2024
Tennessee has all the momentum in the world with a College World Series championship under their belts, and the Volunteers’ players are doing their best to keep the program moving forward in their absence.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee baseball news and coverage.
