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Tony Vitello shouts out Peyton Manning while talking Notre Dame matchup

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•06/08/22•

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Ian Cox | Tennessee Athletics

Tennessee baseball’s Tony Vitello has made quite the name for himself since taking the job in Knoxville in June of 2017. As a leader, Vitello is a fiery personality with his players and out on the field. He’s set the tone for the demeanor of the best team in college baseball. With a 56-7 record, his Volunteers have the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Baseball Championship and recently moved on to the Super Regionals.

There are plenty of incredible athletes that have come through Knoxville in the school’s history. Following their win over Georgia Tech to advance, Vitello said the Vol’s most famous alumni had reached out to him.

“I’m gonna go humble brag. I am just gonna throw it out there that the only reason I know we’re playing Notre Dame (next) is one text message and that was from Peyton Manning,” said Vitello. “I’m not going to say thank you for letting us know who we’re playing because I’d like to just enjoy the moment for a minute, but thank you for allowing me to brag to people that Peyton Manning sent my phone a text message.”

Manning is about as recognizable as they come in Knoxville. If he has given Vitello his stamp of approval, they must be doing something right down in Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

As for what’s next for Tennessee, they’ll meet the Fighting Irish in the Super Regional. With a 38-14 record, they advanced out of the Statesboro Regional over Texas Tech. When asked what he’d seen from the Irish thus far, Vitello says he hadn’t caught much during his late night film study.

“Me and Coach McCain were up in the office really late after our first game,” he said. “I was trying to pull up the video and watch ESPN. It’s right there so how do you not click their ‘Double Play’ or whatever they got going on. I saw maybe one or two hitters but that’s about it.”

Tennessee and Notre Dame’s first of a three game series will be on Friday, June 10th at 6 p.m. EST on ESPN2. Vitello’s Vols will host and will look to advance to their second straight College World Series.