Tony Vitello high on impact transfers this fall for Vols

In an era of college baseball when there’s so much change happening all at once, Tennessee fans should appreciate the consistency from Tony Vitello and his staff when adding impact transfers to the roster each and every offseason.   

This past summer was no different as the staff brought in nine transfers who are quick in making their presence known here in the early portion of fall ball.

“Anytime you go through a season or an experience where something is missing, you want to fill those blanks so you don’t have the same feeling that’s lingering over the course of the summer. I do think we addressed some of those things,” the skipper said Thursday on the Mike Keith Show. “For a game that involves numbers, nothing better than a clean start and you can kind of paint your own canvas.”

One of those impact newcomers for a transfer portal class ranked No. 6 by D1 Baseball is slugger Henry Ford, who comes to Knoxville by way of Virginia after attending Baylor School in Chattanooga as a prep athlete.

The athlete, who could start in centerfield or even third base this upcoming spring, hit for a .362 average with 11 home runs and nine doubles as a draft-eligible sophomore in 2025. Ford reduced his strikeout rate by over five percent after hammering 17 bombs with 69 RBI as a true freshman the season before.  

“When he first came to us, he wanted to move from right field to center field to show off his athleticism. Of course, let’s call it what it is, make yourself more marketable,” Vitello said. “So, if we’re going to take that word into consideration, which, again, dates back to our convo about pro ball, is helping guys, whether it’s marketing them or preparing them. Why not try third base? It was his position in high school and he’s done very, very well over there for us.

“He could be a double-threat and play both those positions for us this year at some point. Eventually, for a guy that’s going to be in the middle of the lineup during the course of the year, you probably want him to feel settled, but right now, I feel like he’s capable of playing both positions and being a leader.”

One of the more intriguing portal grabs this summer was utility Garrett Wright. He received countless accolades while playing for Bowling Green as both a catcher and outfielder. Wright also played well in the Cape Cod League this summer behind the plate and will have plenty of opportunities to see the field for the Vols this spring.    

“Rare. Very rare. I think it speaks to his athleticism because he can really run. Athleticism can mean a lot of different things, but he can really run,” Vitello said of Wright. “But also I think it’s his willingness to do whatever. He just wants to play. He’s not a guy that asks a lot of questions. He’s kind of like the Energizer bunny, you just steer him in what direction you want him to go and he’s going to go.”

Rice transfer Blaine Brown is arguably playing better than anyone this fall for Tennessee. The 2-way sophomore has already logged several home runs at the plate and found some success on the mound from the left side through a couple of appearances. As roster sizes are being cut down, 2-way players are becoming more of a thing. Brown will do both for the Vols this spring, but it all starts at the plate for Vitello as the skipper has made public mention of Brown’s swing already on two occasions in fall camp.  

“Blaine’s swing is very, very unique. You know what type of athletic family he comes from with his dad spending time with the Titans and Texans, as well. He knows how to compete,” Vitello praised. “He’s incredibly athletic. But ultimately the thing I wanted to get to was that swing. That swing is nice. If Coach Q [Quentin Eberhardt] can add some strength to that swing, because he’s got a big frame you’ve got to fill out, it could be a really fun career with the bat.”

Tennessee will continue its fall work with a Sunday evening scrimmage at Lindsey Nelson Stadium before gearing up for another work week. The Vols will be on the road in Nashville for a split-squad scrimmage on October 26 at First Horizon Ballpark. Fans in attendance for that scrimmage will no-doubt be eyeing the impressive transfer portal class for Vitello.