Why 2022 Tennessee baseball team was a success to Tony Vitello as Vols clinch CWS trip
Tony Vitello took up for the 2022 Tennessee baseball team Sunday after the Vols clinched their latest College World Series berth.
"You didn't like the team? So what? They got you talking about college baseball. I can tell you that," Vitello said. "To me, that team was a success."
Vitello went on a seven-minute rant after the Vols clinched a third trip to the College World Series in the past four seasons. He focused on how to define success, including using the Webster's Dictionary definition before expounding on what he believes constitutes success.
The No. 1 Vols (55-12) beat Evansville 12-1 on Sunday to earn another CWS berth. The 2022 Vols lost in Game 3 of the Knoxville Super Regional, a fate the 2024 Vols avoided.
Both teams were No. 1 overall seeds for the NCAA Tournament.
Tennessee was one of the best in college baseball history in 2022
Tennessee put together one of the best seasons in college baseball history in 2022.
The Vols won a program-record 57 games and finished 57-9. UT won the SEC regular-season title and SEC Tournament title for the first time since 1995. They went 25-5 in SEC play, which is tied for the second-best record in conference history. Vanderbilt went 26-3 in 2013.
The team produced 10 MLB Draft picks in the 2022 draft and another four in 2023. It likely will have at least another five in the 2024 draft.
Tennessee baseball was polarizing in 2022
The Vols won a lot and talked a lot in 2022, which led to polarizing opinions of the group. They played the game well and hard and did it their way. That is where Vitello's remark appeared to be directed. Hate them or love them, the 2022 Vols got people talking about college baseball − and still are talked about.
Outfielder Drew Gilbert, who played with a high level of intensity, particularly irked opponents and opposing fan bases. Vitello often noted Gilbert was one of the kindest people off the field, but happens to be a fierce competitor.
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The season produced moments such as Jordan Beck being called out for using an alleged illegal bat at Vanderbilt, which led to Vitello calling Beck "Mike Honcho" in reference to the 2006 comedy Talladega Nights with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tony Vitello rant defends 2022 Tennessee baseball after clinching CWS
