The Official Countdown To Tennessee Baseball 2024 (ITS GAMEDAY)

#80
#80
35 more days!

Today we honor current Grad Student and everyone’s favorite Vol who returns for his final season on Rocky Top! #35 Mr. Kirby Connell!


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CAREER HONORS​

  • 2023 Preseason All-America 2nd Team -- NCBWA
  • 2022 Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll
  • 2022 SEC Community Service Team
  • VOLeaders Academy Class of 2020-21
  • 2021 Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll
  • 2019-20 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll

2023 ​

  • Appeared in the first game of the College World Series, securing an out of relief against #5 LSU (6/17)
  • Struck out the only batter he faced against Eastern Kentucky (4/11)
  • Pitched one shutout inning of relief against UNC Asheville (3/28)
  • Threw one scoreless inning earning his first win of the season over Gonzaga (3/4)
  • Pitched one scoreless inning of relief in win over Charleston Southern (2/28)
  • Struck out the only batter he faced to get the Vols out of a late-inning game at Grand Canyon (2/18)
  • Made his season debut in season opener vs. Arizona (2/17) at the MLB Desert Invitational, retiring the only batter he faced

2022 ​

  • Retired the last 20 hitters he has faced, entering the SEC Tournament
  • Wiggled out of a bases-loaded, one out jam and earned his third victory of the season, tossing 2.2 perfect innings and striking out one
  • Terrific in the series finale vs. Georgia, throwing 2 flawless innings as the first reliever out of the 'pen and tying a career-high in strikeouts with five
  • Earned his second victory of the season, going 1.1 innings against Bellarmine (5/10)
  • Pitched one shutout inning and recorded two strikeouts in the win over Auburn (4/29)
  • Recorded one strikeout in 1.1 shutout innings in relief in the win over Xavier (4/26)
  • Tossed one scoreless inning in the win over Bellarmine (4/19)
  • Recorded two strikeouts in one shutout inning in relief vs. Tennessee Tech (4/12)
  • Threw one shutout inning in relief in win over Ole Miss (3/25)
  • Pitched a career high 4.2 innings with four strikeouts in win over Baylor (3/5), recording his first win of the year
  • Recorded two strikeouts and zero hits in one shutout inning vs. Iona (2/25)
  • Had three strikeouts in 1.2 innings of work in win against Georgia Southern (2/20)
  • Made season debut against Georgia Southern (2/18), pitching two shutout innings

2021 ​

  • Was one of the Vols' top relievers, posting a 1-1 record, two saves and a 3.00 ERA in 26 appearances. Also struck out 39 batters and issued just three walks in 42.0 innings pitched
  • Threw one shutout inning of relief in SEC Tournament win over Alabama (5/28)
  • Allowed just two hits in three shutout innings of relief in series-clinching win at Missouri (5/8)
  • Had two strikeouts in one scoreless inning of relief in win vs. Kentucky (4/29)
  • Pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to finish off a win vs. Vanderbilt (4/17)
  • Earned his second save in win at Western Carolina (4/13)
  • Tied a career high with five strikeouts and held No. 9 Florida to one run over the final three innings to record his first-career save (4/10)
  • Set a career high with five strikeouts in three solid innings of relief at Alabama (4/4)
  • Had four strikeouts in 2.2 shutout innings of relief vs. LSU (3/27)
  • Allowed just one hit and had a strikeout in 1.2 scoreless innings of relief during his SEC debut at Georgia (3/20)
  • Earned his first-career win after tossing two scoreless innings and tying a career high with three strikeouts vs. ETSU (3/16)
  • Struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning vs. UNC Greensboro (3/13)
  • Struck out two batters and allowed one unearned run in three innings of relief at Charlotte (3/9)
  • Tied a career high with three strikeouts in two scoreless innings of relief vs. Georgia State (3/5)
  • Allowed just one hit and tied a career high with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings of relief work against Indiana State (2/27), retiring 13 straight batters at one point

2020 ​

  • Made four relief appearances and pitched 5.2 innings as a true freshman during shortened 2020 season (COVID-19)
  • Threw 1.1 scoreless innings of relief in series finale against Wright State (3/8)
  • Pitched 2.0 shutout innings and recorded a career-high three strikeouts against Longwood (3/3)
  • Made his first-career appearance, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings with two strikeouts in win over Northern Kentucky (2/25)
 
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#81
#81
You guys know this but it has been an incredible 5 year ride now. We talked about it over Christmas how many things he had been able to experience due to his choice to come to UT. None of us would have ever dreamed he would get to experience what he has when he made that choice. I never was sure he could compete at this level much less have a chance to leave a legacy on and off the field. You guys have been a special part of this for me. A kinda secret society support system, most days. I have made some incredible relationships with many of you and most I will never meet in person or some even know your real name.
You guys have been great to me and my family and hopefully I have added to your fandom of UT baseball also. Look forward to this season. We will be starting the podcasts back up next week. We ran into the problem of chaos in Kirby's life and not having baseball players that we had already interviewed and the rest not having played here.
Hopefully, he is here for a long time as he desires to coach after this season and we hope Coach V will give him that opportunity.
Go Vols!
 
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#82
#82
preacherman20 said:
You guys know this but it has been an incredible 5 year ride now. We talked about it over Christmas how many things he had been able to experience due to his choice to come to UT. None of us would have ever dreamed he would get to experience what he has when he made that choice. I never was sure he could compete at this level much less have a chance to leave a legacy on and off the field. You guys have been a special part of this for me. A kinda secret society support system, most days. I have made some incredible relationships with many of you and most I will never meet in person or some even know your real name.
You guys have been great to me and my family and hopefully I have added to your fandom of UT baseball also. Look forward to this season. We will be starting the podcasts back up next week. We ran into the problem of chaos in Kirby's life and not having baseball players that we had already interviewed and the rest not having played here.
Hopefully, he is here for a long time as he desires to coach after this season and we hope Coach V will give him that opportunity.
Go Vols!
Click to expand...
It’s been really special getting to know you here and through the podcast. Becoming a new fan to the baseball program I loved how you always took the time to answer my questions and the insight you shared with us. Hope this a great year for you and Kirby and the Basevols and even after this season, you stick around with us here in the forum.
 
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#83
#83
preacherman20 said:
You guys know this but it has been an incredible 5 year ride now. We talked about it over Christmas how many things he had been able to experience due to his choice to come to UT. None of us would have ever dreamed he would get to experience what he has when he made that choice. I never was sure he could compete at this level much less have a chance to leave a legacy on and off the field. You guys have been a special part of this for me. A kinda secret society support system, most days. I have made some incredible relationships with many of you and most I will never meet in person or some even know your real name.
You guys have been great to me and my family and hopefully I have added to your fandom of UT baseball also. Look forward to this season. We will be starting the podcasts back up next week. We ran into the problem of chaos in Kirby's life and not having baseball players that we had already interviewed and the rest not having played here.
Hopefully, he is here for a long time as he desires to coach after this season and we hope Coach V will give him that opportunity.
Go Vols!
Click to expand...
Preacherman the pleasure is all ours. This is the good/positive part of social media and the internet. It allows us to connect to people we would otherwise never interact with. It's cool as a fan to be close to action with a parent of one of the players. You bring insight, when you can, that we would otherwise would not be privy to. You have raised a good young man. And you've tolerated our shenanigans along the way. Thanks for everything.

I hope Kirby gets an opportunity on the staff here. It would make cheering for the team that much better. And would keep you around a little longer. Here's to kicking more butt in 2024. GBO!
 
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#84
#84
preacherman20 said:
You guys know this but it has been an incredible 5 year ride now. We talked about it over Christmas how many things he had been able to experience due to his choice to come to UT. None of us would have ever dreamed he would get to experience what he has when he made that choice. I never was sure he could compete at this level much less have a chance to leave a legacy on and off the field. You guys have been a special part of this for me. A kinda secret society support system, most days. I have made some incredible relationships with many of you and most I will never meet in person or some even know your real name.
You guys have been great to me and my family and hopefully I have added to your fandom of UT baseball also. Look forward to this season. We will be starting the podcasts back up next week. We ran into the problem of chaos in Kirby's life and not having baseball players that we had already interviewed and the rest not having played here.
Hopefully, he is here for a long time as he desires to coach after this season and we hope Coach V will give him that opportunity.
Go Vols!
Click to expand...
Enjoyed getting to know you online and in real life Appreciate all that you and Kirby have done for the community and Volnation.
 
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#90
#90
I didn’t see Denton when I was looking at the Instagram clip from video day today. Any update on Zane?
 
#94
#94
TheBigOne10 said:
I didn’t see Denton when I was looking at the Instagram clip from video day today. Any update on Zane?
Click to expand...

He’s listed as ‘left UT’ in the UT directory

Any news on Zane Denton

Last time we were informed was that he was away from team and working some things out. Hoping next semester all is good and he is back with team fully. Any new info would be appreciated. His home run against Clemson is an all time highlight and I will remember that forever.
www.volnation.com www.volnation.com
 
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#95
#95
preacherman20 said:
You guys know this but it has been an incredible 5 year ride now. We talked about it over Christmas how many things he had been able to experience due to his choice to come to UT. None of us would have ever dreamed he would get to experience what he has when he made that choice. I never was sure he could compete at this level much less have a chance to leave a legacy on and off the field. You guys have been a special part of this for me. A kinda secret society support system, most days. I have made some incredible relationships with many of you and most I will never meet in person or some even know your real name.
You guys have been great to me and my family and hopefully I have added to your fandom of UT baseball also. Look forward to this season. We will be starting the podcasts back up next week. We ran into the problem of chaos in Kirby's life and not having baseball players that we had already interviewed and the rest not having played here.
Hopefully, he is here for a long time as he desires to coach after this season and we hope Coach V will give him that opportunity.
Go Vols!
Click to expand...
Coaching staff certainly did a great job finding him his niche.
 
#97
#97
Volprofch05 said:
He’s listed as ‘left UT’ in the UT directory

Any news on Zane Denton

Last time we were informed was that he was away from team and working some things out. Hoping next semester all is good and he is back with team fully. Any new info would be appreciated. His home run against Clemson is an all time highlight and I will remember that forever.
www.volnation.com www.volnation.com
Click to expand...

TheBigOne10 said:
I didn’t see Denton when I was looking at the Instagram clip from video day today. Any update on Zane?
Click to expand...

Actually re-checking the directory now shows Zane listed as active!
 
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#99
#99
32 more days!

Today we honor #32 RHP Drew Beam who returns for his junior season on Rocky Top!

CAREER BESTS​


  • Innings Pitched: 9.0 vs. Vanderbilt (4/3/22)
  • Runs Allowed: 0 (9x) // last at Southern Miss (6/12/23)
  • ER Allowed: 0 (9x) // last at Southern Miss (6/12/23)
  • Strikeouts: 10 (2x) // last vs. Florida (4/8/23)
  • Walks: 0 (10x) // last at LSU (4/1/23)
  • Hits Allowed: 1 (4x) // last vs. Dayton (2/26/23)
  • Wild Pitches: 0 (26x) // last at Southern Miss (6/12/23)
  • Putouts: 1 (8x) // last at Georgia (5/7/23)
  • Assists: 2 (3x) // last vs. Kentucky (5/14/23)
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#100
#100
NO SIR EEE said:
32 more days!
Today we honor #32 RHP Drew Beam who returns for his junior season on Rocky Top!

CAREER BESTS​


  • Innings Pitched: 9.0 vs. Vanderbilt (4/3/22)
  • Runs Allowed: 0 (9x) // last at Southern Miss (6/12/23)
  • ER Allowed: 0 (9x) // last at Southern Miss (6/12/23)
  • Strikeouts: 10 (2x) // last vs. Florida (4/8/23)
  • Walks: 0 (10x) // last at LSU (4/1/23)
  • Hits Allowed: 1 (4x) // last vs. Dayton (2/26/23)
  • Wild Pitches: 0 (26x) // last at Southern Miss (6/12/23)
  • Putouts: 1 (8x) // last at Georgia (5/7/23)
  • Assists: 2 (3x) // last vs. Kentucky (5/14/23)
View attachment 610350
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That 2022 outing vs Vandy was a real gem.
 
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