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Drew Gilbert, Drew Beam send strong recruiting message after Vols’ national title

Posted on by angelo
Drew Gilbert, Drew Beam send strong recruiting message after Vols’ national title

Drew Gilbert Beam
Drew Gilbert, Tennessee groundsman, against Notre Dame. Photo by Ric Butler/Rocky Top Insider.

Current and former Tennessee Volunteers are sending out recruiting beacons via social media following the Tennessee National Baseball Championship Monday.

With Tennessee expecting significant turnover both on the field and on the mound this offseason, the Vols must continue to reload on talent as the offseason begins.

Former Tennessee outfielder Drew Gilbert and national championship-winning pitcher Drew Beam made it clear Monday why the Tony Vitello Volunteers are a top destination throughout college baseball.

Gilbert’s message to the transfer portal revolves around the development offensive players can find on Rocky Top:

“If you’re a hitter in the transfer portal and you really want to develop, you’d be crazy not to pick (Tennessee Baseball),” Gilbert posted on X Wednesday afternoon. “Check the numbers if you don’t believe me.”

Gilbert, along with current Tennessee stars like Blake Burke and Christian Moore, have all benefited from Tennessee’s development at the plate. All three players significantly improved their hitting during their final seasons at Tennessee, giving them a leg up when trying to reach the highest level of professional baseball.

As a .280 hitter in 65 games in 2023, Blake Burke posted a .379 average in 72 games in 2024. Christian Moore had a .304 average in 63 games last season, but climbed up to . 375 in 72 games in 2024. Drew Gilbert, meanwhile, hit .274 in 68 games during the 2021 season before climbing to .362 in his final season in 2022. This is a small sample size , but there has been significant development at the plate for those willing to do so. stay and evolve in the program.

Gilbert went on to praise assistant coach Josh Elander.

“(Josh Elander) is the best hitting coach in the country and just ask anyone who has been coached by him and they will say the same thing,” Gilbert said. “Always go Vols.”

Drew Beam’s post revolves around head coach Tony Vitello.

The Tennessee pitcher and native of the state posted a message to all high school players and prospects in the portal who are interested in Tennessee:

“If you’re a high school player or a guy in the transfer portal, there’s no other guy in the world you should want to play for!” Beam wrote Wednesday afternoon. “This man gives everything for his guys and would go to war for us. Ask anyone who ever played for him. Come on Flights baby!

More from RTI: Tennessee Baseball’s Tony Vitello named national coach of the year

Much has been made of Tony Vitello’s work leading Tennessee to its first championship in program history this season. Although Vitello has garnered praise from many around the sport with his infectious personality and sometimes unpredictable nature, he has also been the focus of criticism from others.

But it’s not surprising to see one of Vitello’s longtime players, like Beam, highlight his leadership in the program. Beam watched Vitello lead Tennessee to the College World Series in his three years, orchestrating his team through the ups and downs of each season.

The player’s celebration with Vitello on the field demonstrated how much the guys enjoy playing for their head coach.

Former Tennessee baseball coach Dave Serrano also joined the conversation Wednesday afternoon.

“As a coach myself, this is so refreshing to see,” Serrano posted on X, in response to Beam. “(Drew Beam) isn’t saying that just because they won the NC, it’s been said by other players who didn’t win it all playing for Tony. He continues to show that he cares about his players and that’s refreshing to see in today’s world!

Tennessee has all the momentum in the world with a College World Series championship under its belt, and the Volunteers players are doing their best to move the program forward in their absence.

Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee baseball news and coverage.