Outfielder Kavares Tears penned his farewell message to Tennessee baseball and Vol nation on Instagram Tuesday afternoon after the San Diego Padres selected him the fourth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
Tears was the latest homegrown stars for Tennessee baseball this season. After redshirting his first season and coming off the bench as a key reserve in his redshirt freshman season, Tears was an everyday starter and a star in right field during his redshirt sophomore season.
The Lewisburg, Tennessee native was one of Tennessee baseball’s top players last season where he hit .324 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs. Hitting in the cleanup and six-spot over the course of the season, Tears was a talented slugger who delivered for the Vols over the course of the season.
His biggest swing came in the seventh inning of game three of the College World Series finals against Texas A&M when his double off the right-center field wall scored Hunter Ensley in what proved to be the game’s deciding run.
On top of his success at the plate, Tears was a fantastic defender. He landed on the SEC All-Defensive team during the regular season. Then in the College World Series, he started two games in center field while Hunter Ensley battled a hamstring injury. Tears proved his defensive versatility by playing fantastic defense in center field.
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In his farewell message to Tennessee baseball, Tears briefly discussed his three-year college career in Knoxville:
“The past 3 years at UT has felt like a crazy rollercoaster ride But there’s not one second of that ride I would wanna miss. The things WE accomplished will never be forgotten(love us or hate us, you watched).”
Tears also thanked his coaches for taking a chance on him and all the work they invested in him:
“Coaches, thank y’all so for taking a kid from ‘the middle of nowhere’ and showing him loyalTy, hard work, and discipline. On top of that, thank y’all for never losing hope in me and always having my back.”
Tears continued on with a message to his teammates over the course of his three-year career:
“My brothers, I don’t know what to say. I love each and every one of y’all boys with my whole heart. The relationships and bonds we’ve made over the years will never fade. I couldn’t thank God enough for the group of guys i was able to learn and laugh with. Love y’all 4L❤️”
Lastly, Tears thanked Vol nation and asked them to continue their rowdy ways at Lindsey Nelson Stadium for the next generation of Tennessee baseball players.
“Vol Nation, thank y’all for being there when we needed you most. The support and love you guys show is unmatched and no doubt the best in the country #GBO. Stay rowdy, love y’all.”
