What Christian Moore said moments after being drafted eighth overall by Angels

Tennessee baseball second baseman Christian Moore became the highest drafted player of the Tony Vitello era Sunday night when the Los Angeles Angels selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Moore was one of six prospects on-hand for the draft festivities and was able to catch up with the MLB Network broadcast moments following his selection.  

“Wow. You dream about this as a kid, growing up and watching this even every year. It’s a beautiful thing,” the infielder beamed. “I just want to shoutout to my family. They are over there – down there – coming all the way from New York. A shoutout to my teammates and of course the GOAT (greatest of all-time) sitting over there Tony Vitello. Much love to you and thank you for everything.”

Tennessee skipper Tony Vitello is serving as a guest analysis for the MLB Network’s draft coverage throughout the first round.

A proud moment for @Vol_Baseball's Coach Vitello 🧡 pic.twitter.com/omtCCHhmKr

— MLB Network PR (@MLBNetworkPR) July 15, 2024

“I’ve never been around a guy who can decide he wants to win a game and impact it the way he did,” the coach said after Moore was drafted.

"I've never been around a guy who can decide he wants to win a game and impact it the way he did."

High praise from Coach V!#MLBDraft // #GBO pic.twitter.com/NYkCkY1UEC

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) July 15, 2024

Moore becomes the 20^th first round first round pick in Tennessee program history and the fifth of the Tony Vitello era. Tennessee’s Chase Dollander was taken ninth overall by the Rockies in 2023, Drew Gilbert 28^th overall by the Astros in 2022, Jordan Beck 38^th by the Rockies in 2022 and Garrett Crochet 11^th overall by the White Sox in 2020.

With the selection, the former Vol becomes the highest draft pick for the Vols since Nick Senzel went No. 2 overall in 2016.

“It’s meant everything. It’s been a crazy year from winning a natty and now all this. Just trying to soak it all in and enjoy the moment,” Moore continued during the interview. “It’s been crazy, man. Travelling all over and experiencing new things and meeting new people. But that’s juts part of the journey, man. I’m so blessed to be here.”

Moore, the Triple Crown award winner for Southeastern Conference play, was one of college baseball’s best players in 2024, scorching the baseball for 34 home runs and 74 runs batted in from the leadoff spot. His .375 batting average was four ticks lower than teammate Blake Burke, who led the squad.  

Dollywood to Hollywood!

C-Mo is headed to LA.#GBO // #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/Eu5c1SjUu9

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) July 15, 2024

The infielder also recorded just the second cycle ever in a College World Series game against Florida State on June 14, but it was his fifth hit of the day that was most important – a double where he turned around to score the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning on Burke’s two-run single.

“My parents. My brother. He kind of started all of this for me – he and my parents showing me the game,” the new Angel answered when asked of role models in his life. “A lot of kudos to them for always keeping my head on straight and keeping me humble.”

Moore hauled in three first-team All-American accolades and two more second-team honors following the 2024 season. He was also named to the All-Southeastern Conference Team at second base. He also finished his Tennessee career as the program-record holder with 61 home runs and 34 in a single season.

“I’m a winner and I’m a competitor,” Moore concluded on what he wants to show the Angels. “I don’t know what is going to happen the next couple of years, but I promise you I will get a ring for sure. It’s in my blood.”

According to MLB.com, the slot value assigned for the eighth overall pick is $6,502,800. The Vols have now had a first round selection four of the past five drafts.