Tony Vitello picks up commitment from in-state native Thomas Crabtree
Volunteer State native Thomas Crabtree was on campus earlier this week ahead of Tennessee’s trek to Omaha for the College World Series.
The 6-foot-4, 195-pound right-handed pitcher spoke with UT coaching staff, checked out the facilities and learned all about he program. The experience was good enough for him to know this was the place he wanted to continue his academic career.
He made his commitment public with an announcement on Wednesday.
Forever thankful for @PRCC_Baseball @eastcoastbball @CvilleBaseball_ . I am going to be a University of Tennessee Volunteer. My childhood dream of wearing the Power T is real. @Vol_Baseball pic.twitter.com/NQY1eOa3hq
— Thomas Crabtree (@crabtree2023) June 12, 2024
Crabtree originally signed with East Tennessee State out of Collierville High School but ended up spending his first collegiate season in the JUCO ranks at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss. The move was a good one as the freshman was phonemical in 2024.
The hurler turned in a 2.96 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 76 innings pitched where he struck out 105 batters while walking just 28. He totaled a 10-2 record over 14 starts with 15 total appearances and became the first PRCC to reach the 100-strikeout plateau since 2008. He tallied one complete game on the year and carried a perfect game into the eighth inning. Crabtree was named conference Pitcher of the Week on two separate occasions.
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Coming out of high school, the pitcher was considered the 43rd best prospect in the talent-rich state by Perfect Game. Following his freshman season at Pearl River, Crabtree was named to the First-Team All-MACCC squad.
The right-handed pitcher who sits in the mid-90s is just another arm added to the loaded Class of 2024 for Tennessee, a class considered the best in the country by Perfect Game.
