Kavares Tears: Tennessee having family at CWS 'means the world'

Tennessee has reached the College World Series final, taking things one step further than a year ago when the team reached Omaha. And for some team members, the chance to get family here is a new one.

Redshirt sophomore outfielder Kavares Tears is in that boat.

“I think it means the world to me because last year we were here, they weren’t able to make it because my little brother was playing baseball,” Tears said. “So yeah, I think it definitely means the world to me to know that after every game, win or lose, they’ll be there to support me and have my back.”

Tears has been phenomenal so far in Omaha for the Volunteers. He has recorded a handful of jaw-dropping catches in the outfield, helping the team play terrific defense.

It’s a big part of the reason Tennessee cruised through the winner’s bracket with a perfect 3-0 record.

In the team’s opening-round win against Florida State, Tears had two hits, two RBI and two runs scored. He hit a crucial triple in the bottom of the ninth inning.

All the while his family was supporting from the stands.

Other players have had their families there all along. To the point that some family members have even been banned at various points in the season.

“My family was here for the first two games,” left-handed pitcher Kirby Connell said. “I actually banned my middle brother from coming to any games because we always lose when he showed up.

“But, no, he’s finally making the trip up from Missouri — or Mississippi; I don’t know why I said Missouri — Mississippi. So everybody will be here. They’re actually going to try to come to practice today if they’ll let him in.”

Tennessee is already assured of matching its best finish to a season in school history as the College World Series runner-up. But the team has a chance to win the program’s first national title against Texas A&M.

That quest will begin on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with a broadcast on ESPN.