Landon Thome, the son of MLB Hall of Famer Jim Thome, committed to Tony Vitello and Tennessee baseball on Sunday. Thome announced his commitment less than a month after officially visiting Vol baseball.
“I’m excited to announce my commitment to the University of Tennessee to further my academic and baseball career,” Thome wrote in his commitment post. “I’m grateful to Coach Vitello, Coach Elander, Coach Kivett, Coach Bonfield and the entire Vol baseball staff for this opportunity. Time to go to work. Go Vols!”
Committed. 🍊 #gbo pic.twitter.com/Fc1CZf4cGH
— Landon Thome (@landonthome25) September 29, 2024
Thome is a member of the 2026 recruiting class meaning he is just a junior in high school. The 6-foot Illinois native, plays a number of infield spot and throws right-handed and hits left-handed.
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Jim Thome was a member of the 2018 Professional Baseball Hall of Fame class after an incredibly successful 22-year professional career. During his career, Thome hit .276 with 612 home runs and 1,699 RBIs. The left-handed power hitter’s best season came in 2003 when he hit .266 with 47 home runs and 131 RBIs.
Thome played 13 seasons with the Cleveland Indians and four season with the Philadelphia Phillies including his career 2003 season. The Hall of Famer also played for the White Sox, Twins, Dodgers and Orioles in the waning years of his career.
Tennessee baseball is rolling on the field and on the recruiting trail under Vitello’s guidance. The Vols won the 2024 National Championship and have won the SEC Regular-Season and Tournament Championships two of the last three seasons. They’ve also made the College World Series in three of the last four seasons.
Vitello and his staff have recruited well since the day he stepped on Tennessee’s campus but they’ve parlayed success on the field to even greater success on the recruiting trail. The Vols’ 2024 signing class ranked No. 1 nationally according to Perfect Game.
