Tag: baseball

Mandatory availability reports for big-3 sports announced by SEC

Football teams will be required to provide reports three days before the game and then again 90 minutes before kickoff.

The Southeastern Conference will require football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball to provide availability reports before each competition, starting with the 2024 college football season. The announcement came from the league office on Thursday.

“This availability reporting policy is intended to reduce pressure from outside entities seeking participation information and represents a commitment of our 16 institutions to provide enhanced transparency to support efforts to protect our student-athletes and the integrity of competition,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in the conference’s announcement.

Programs will provide the conference with their respective availability reports which will be displayed each week on the SEC’s official website. Football teams will be required to provide reports three days before the game and then again 90 minutes before kickoff.

For basketball and baseball, reports must be filed the night before a game.

Teams who fail to report availabilities on time are subject to a fine — $25,000 for the first infraction up to $100,000 for a third. The maximum fine for basketball and baseball ranges between $15,000 and $25,000.

The SEC now joins the Big Ten as the only two power conferences with compulsory availability reports before games.

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SEC to provide public availability reports beginning in 2024

SEC to provide public availability reports for multiple sports beginning in 2024.

The Southeastern Conference announced changes to the upcoming athletics calendar.

SEC schools will provide public reports on availability of student-athletes to participate in each conference game in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball. Public reports will begin with the 2024 SEC football season.

“This availability reporting policy is intended to reduce pressure from outside entities seeking participation information and represents a commitment of our 16 institutions to provide enhanced transparency to support efforts to protect our student-athletes and the integrity of competition,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said.

SEC press release:

According to a policy approved by the Conference’s membership, SEC schools will be required to submit availability reports three days prior to each Conference football game (beginning on Wednesday in advance of a Saturday football game) with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes prior to game time. In the sports of basketball and baseball, reports will be filed the night before each SEC contest with an update on game day.

Under the reporting structure, prior to game day, student-athletes will be designated as “available,” “probable,” “questionable,” “doubtful,” or “out” for their next game. To provide additional clarity on game day, student-athletes will be designated as “available,” “game time decision,” or “out” for the upcoming game.

Football school availability reports will be posted on the SEC’s website at SECsports.com/FBreports.

Failure to provide accurate and timely availability reports will subject schools to potential penalties ranging from $25,000 for a first offense to $100,000 for a third and further offenses in football, and a maximum of $15,000 to $25,000 in men’s and women’s basketball and baseball.

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Tennessee announces contract extension for Tony Vitello

Danny White and Tennessee announce a contract extension for Vols’ baseball head coach Tony Vitello.

Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello guided the Vols to a national championship in 2024 during his seventh season in Knoxville.

Tennessee vice chancellor and director of athletics Danny White announced a contract extension for Vitello on Friday. Vitello’s extension is for five years through June 30, 2029.

“Tony and his staff have developed the country’s top baseball program, and we are excited to announce this long-term extension to keep Tony on Rocky Top,” White said. “As an athletics department, we aim to lead the way in college sports, and Tony has created a baseball program that sets the standard across the entire sport.

“The on-field results in the nation’s best conference are unmatched, and the enthusiasm he has brought to Vol Nation has been incredible to witness.”

PHOTOS: Tony Vitello through the years

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Tennessee baseball announces two fall exhibition games

Tennessee baseball will play two fall exhibition games in 2024.

Tennessee won its first baseball national championship in school history during the 2024 season.

Tony Vitello enters his eighth season as the Vols’ head coach. He also guided Tennessee to three College World Series appearances, two Southeastern Conference Tournament championships and two SEC regular-season titles.

In preparation for Vitello’s eighth season in 2025, Tennessee will play two fall exhibition baseball games.

The Vols will play Western Kentucky on Oct. 25 at First Horizon Park in Nashville, Tennessee, home of the Milwaukee Brewers Triple-A affiliate Nashville Sounds.

Tennessee will also play Troy on Oct. 27 at Jackson Baseball Stadium, home of the Prospect League’s Jackson Rockabillys, in Jackson, Tennessee.

Game times and ticket information for both games will be announced at a later date.

PHOTOS: Tony Vitello through the years

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Ben Joyce records second save in Tennessee checkerboard cleats

Former Vol pitcher Ben Joyce records second save in Tennessee checkerboard cleats against the Braves.

Los Angeles (53-69) defeated Atlanta (64-58), 3-2, on Friday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.

Former Tennessee pitcher Ben Joyce recorded his second save of the season for the Angels. He pitched 1.2 innings, recording one strikeout and did not allow a hit, run or walk. Joyce totaled 14 pitches, including 10 strikes.

The former Vol also wore Tennessee checkerboard cleats in the game.

Joyce was a third-round selection by the Angels in the 2022 MLB draft.

He played for the Vols from 2021-22 after transferring from Walters State Community College. Joyce did not play in 2021 due to rehabbing from offseason surgery.

He appeared in 27 games and started one contest during his final season at Tennessee in 2022. Joyce totaled 53 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched during the 2022 campaign.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Four former Vols ranked as MLB top 100 prospects

Four former Tennessee baseball players are ranked as MLB top 100 prospects.

Four former Tennessee baseball players are ranked as MLB’s top 100 prospects.

Pitcher Chase Dollander is ranked as the highest among former Vols (No. 23). He is currently with the Hartford Yard Goats, a Double-A minor league team for the Rockies.

Outfielder Jordan Beck is ranked No. 78 and is currently playing with the Rockies. In 25 games, the former Vol has recorded a .198 batting average, two home runs, nine RBIs, four runs, two walks and two stolen bases.

Second baseman Christian Moore and outfielder Drew Gilbert are ranked No. 81 and No. 82, respectively.

Moore is currently with Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas, a minor league team for the Angels. Gilbert is playing for New York’s Triple-A affiliate, Syracuse Mets.

Multiple Gators land on ESPN’s 2024 midseason top 100 MLB prospects rankings

Jac Caglianone headlines a group of Gators listed on ESPN’s 2024 midseason top 100 MLB prospects rankings.

Florida baseball has been dishing out MLB-ready players throughout the years with over 80 players making it to the Major Leagues in its history.

The amount of high-level talent that the Gators have produced is incredible. Florida alumni like [autotag]Pete Alonso[/autotag], [autotag]Brady Singer[/autotag] and Wyatt Langford have each made an impact on the professional stage.

So it comes to no surprise that a few former Gators have landed on ESPN’s MLB Insider Kiley McDaniel’s midseason top 100 prospects rankings.

The Gators that are mentioned in the top 100 rankings are Jac Caglianone, Brandon Sproat and Hurston Waldrep. So where do they each rank on the list?

Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals) – No. 26

Position: 1B

Level: High-A

The Royals selected Caglianone with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft after the two-way player had a stellar career with Florida.

In his last season with the Gators, Caglianone started all 66 games and batted .419 with 35 home runs (a single-season program record) and 72 RBI.

As a pitcher, Caglianone threw for 73.2 innings, had a 4.76 ERA and 83 strikeouts.

There’s still some work that needs to be done fielding-wise. Now, the Royals haven’t necessarily shut the door on him pitching yet, but I just don’t see him being effective on the mound at the major league level. If he can work on his fielding at first base, there’s no doubt in my mind that Caglianone can be a great player in the pros.

Brandon Sproat (New York Mets) – No. 71

Position: RHP

Level: AAA

Sproat was selected No. 56 overall by the Mets in the second round of the 2023 draft.

Sproat’s variety of pitches (fastball, curveball, slider, changeup and cutter) are what makes him so deceptive on the mound. His fastball has touched triple digits before but it usually sits around 95-97 mph.

The Mets just moved Sproat up after a 13-strikeout performance to Triple-A. Posting a 2.45 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 62.1 innings of work in Double-A, the right-hander is the highest-rated prospect in the Mets’ farm system.

Hurston Waldrep (Atlanta Braves) – No. 98

Position: RHP

Level: AAA

At the 98th spot, Waldrep just snuck into the rankings, but nonetheless, the right-handed pitcher shows why he belongs.

The Atlanta Braves selected Waldrep with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 draft. The 22-year-old is pitching at the Triple-A level where he has an ERA of 5.68 with 19 strikeouts in 12.2 innings.

Waldrep even played a couple of games at the MLB level but they were shaky. He gave up six and seven earned runs to the Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals, respectively.

There’s no doubt that Waldrep has some things he needs to work on such as his command and control. But he’s still very young and I believe he has a lot of potential.

ESPN’s Top Five Prospects

The top five prospects on McDaniel’s rankings are Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles), James Wood (Washington Nationals), Carson Williams (Tampa Bay Rays), Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) and Marcelo Mayer (Boston Red Sox).

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Construction update for Lindsey Nelson Stadium

Tennessee announces offseason construction update for Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Lindsey Nelson Stadium is undergoing construction again this offseason.

Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello provided an update on construction.

“Our staff and I appreciate Vol nation for all the support we’ve received, specifically from our fans who have created one of the best home-field advantages in college baseball,” Vitello said. “The ongoing updates to Lindsey Nelson Stadium will only enhance the incredible environment established on Rocky Top for our passionate supporters who deserve a first-class facility that stands among the best in the country. While we all wish these updates could be completed by the start of next season, we understand the in-depth process required to complete a project of this magnitude and the challenges that come with it.”

PHOTOS: Tony Vitello through the years

UT press release on additional construction at Lindsey Nelson Stadium:

We are dedicated to transparency and want to keep you updated on the significant renovations taking place at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Despite facing unexpected challenges, we are making steady progress and are unwavering in our goal to elevate the fan experience.

Construction is well underway, and while we’ve faced some unexpected challenges, we remain dedicated to enhancing the fan experience.

“We are enthusiastic about offering a world-class experience for the best fans in the country once the renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium are complete,” stated Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “We deeply appreciate our fans’ patience and understanding as we navigate through the construction process.”

Despite these hurdles, we are excited and pleased to share what project components will be ready for the 2025 season:

  • NEW: 4 seat tabletop units (4Topps) along the right field line
  • NEW: Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level
  • NEW: Permanent net system
  • NEW: Left field bar on main concourse (behind the current 4Topps section)
  • NEW: Right field student section
  • NEW: 1st Baseline restrooms and concessions
  • Renovated restrooms on main concourse behind home plate
  • Enhanced seating behind home plate (brand new cushioned MVP style seats; these seats will increase in price with access to the MVP room and those amenities in 2026)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What construction challenges have occurred?

The project team encountered several issues and unforeseen conditions associated with stadium site work and the relocation of surrounding utilities. The project requires a series of significant and complicated utility relocations, which often necessitate additional processes, including local utility review and approval. The relocation of utilities must be completed prior to completing several other aspects and milestones of the project, such as the placement of foundations and erection of steel for the new third-level club and suites.

Will Pat Head Summitt Street remain closed?

During the 2025 season, Pat Head Summitt Street will remain closed to vehicular traffic. The general contractor will use most of the street as “lay down space” for the continued construction along the stadium’s east side. The street will have a pedestrian pathway connecting foot traffic from the home plate area to Todd Helton Drive.

Will the main entry gate behind home plate be operational?

Fans will notice construction continuing around the main entry gate of Lindsey Nelson Stadium during the 2025 season. As progress develops on the spaces that will be new in 2026, construction updates will continue to be made throughout the 2025 season.

  • What construction will be complete for the 2026 season?
  • NEW: Home plate entrance and plaza area
  • NEW: Third level suites and club space
  • NEW: Sound system
  • NEW: Kitchen
  • NEW: Team merchandise shop and ticket office
  • NEW: Player entry corridor
  • NEW: 3rd Baseline restrooms and concessions
  • Fully completed mezzanine level
  • Renovated concessions on main concourse behind home plate
  • MVP room expansion
  • Multiple elevators
  • Permanent LED lighting
Danny White. Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Jordan Beck records RBI in return to Rockies

Former Vol Jordan Beck records a RBI in his return with Colorado.

Arizona (68-53) defeated Colorado (44-77), 4-3, on Tuesday at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Former Vol Jordan Beck returned to the Rockies’ lineup on Tuesday for the first time since suffering a broken left hand on May 25.

Beck started at left field and went 1-for-4, recording one RBI.

Beck was selected by Colorado (No. 38 overall) in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft.

He played for the Vols from 2020-22.

Beck recorded 18 home runs, 61 RBIs, 70 runs, 75 hits, 15 doubles, three triples, 37 walks and six stolen bases in 66 games during the 2022 season at Tennessee.

Before arriving at Tennessee, Beck was selected in the 14th round of the 2019 MLB draft by Boston.

UNC baseball gets committment from in-state recruit

UNC baseball adds Tuscola pitcher to Class of 2026 commitments.

The North Carolina Tar Heels add another pitcher and outfielder to their roster in the future with Class of 2026 standout Amos Rich announcing his verbal commitment to the program today.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound North Carolina native, has been currently playing club ball in-state at the Charlotte Academy. He is playing high school ball at Tuscola High School in North Carolina as well.

The right-handed pitcher has a 92-mile-per-hour (mph) exit velocity on his fastball as well as a 76 mph exit velocity on his curveball. The 17-year-old will feel perfectly at home as he looks to continue college in his home state.

Rich becomes just the third pitcher in the Class of 2026 to commit to the Tar Heels joining Caden Glauber from Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Kerrick Shannon from Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Carson Michael, catcher, and Sawyer Smith, shortstop, round out the only five recruits that have committed to UNC in the class. He should be able to make an immediate impact as he enters the program in the coming years.

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