Tennessee Volunteers Update: Burke’s Journey and a Familiar Face
The University of Tennessee has seen many outstanding athletes wear its orange and white, and former first baseman for the Volunteers has etched his name into the program’s history books. A dominant force at the plate, he concluded his college career ranked second in all-time home runs for the school, hitting an impressive total of 50. His powerful bat and clutch performances made him a standout figure for Tennessee baseball, and now he’s taking his talents to the professional stage.
In the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers saw promise in his power and presence at the plate and selected him with the 34th overall pick. Following the draft, he began his professional baseball journey in the minor leagues with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for the 2025 season. It didn’t take long for Burke to make an impact. On a Sunday afternoon early in the season, he delivered a career milestone by launching his first professional home run. The towering shot sailed over the right-center field fence, a true testament to the raw power that defined his college career.
Interestingly, the pitcher on the mound during this memorable moment was none other than Tanner Hall, a name that Tennessee fans might recognize immediately. Hall, a former Southern Miss pitcher now playing for the Cedar Rapids Kernels, was part of a pivotal showdown with Burke during the 2023 NCAA Super Regionals in Hattiesburg. That matchup, etched in Tennessee lore, mirrored Sunday’s minor league encounter in more ways than one.
On June 11, 2023, in Game Two of the Super Regional, Southern Miss held a 4-1 lead against Tennessee. Burke came to the plate facing Hall, who was trying to maintain the lead and close out the game. What happened next was unforgettable: Burke smashed a mammoth 479-foot home run to right-center field, one of the most impressive long balls in recent Tennessee memory. That blast didn’t just shrink the deficit to 4-3; it also ignited a rally. Tennessee eventually tied the game and pulled ahead to win 6-4, forcing a decisive Game Three. The Vols carried that momentum through, winning the series and punching their ticket to the College World Series in Omaha for the second time in three seasons.
That defining moment in Knoxville, and its recent professional-level echo, serves as a symbol of Burke’s continued evolution as a power hitter. While the path from college stardom to Major League Baseball is rarely a straight line, Burke’s skill set, particularly his strength at the plate, makes him a player worth watching closely. The road will undoubtedly come with its share of challenges, but his performance shows he’s already delivering flashes of brilliance that earned him his high draft selection. The Brewers organization will look to harness that potential as Burke develops within their farm system.
It’s not often that the same two players are involved in such pivotal and parallel moments, but Burke and Hall now share that unique connection. Hall, despite being on the receiving end of these memorable blasts, is still a talented pitcher working to carve out his own professional career. Their continued journeys in the minor leagues are bound to cross paths again, and with each meeting, the echoes of their past encounters add an extra layer of intrigue.
Meanwhile, Tennessee Football has added a new face to its staff, bringing in a fresh analyst to bolster the program’s support team. This strategic move reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to building a strong coaching and advisory presence to guide the players on and off the field. While the details of the new analyst’s background weren’t disclosed, the addition is a clear sign that the Vols are gearing up to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
The parallel stories of Burke and Hall—alongside Tennessee’s constant movement in both baseball and football—reflect the dynamic nature of college athletics and the connections that linger long after players leave the college scene. For Tennessee fans, watching former Vols like Burke rise through the ranks professionally offers a chance to stay connected to the program’s legacy. His continued success not only adds to Tennessee’s proud baseball history but also energizes fans who witnessed his dramatic moments in college.
As Burke continues to develop, there’s no doubt he will experience the typical rollercoaster of a baseball prospect’s career: moments of glory and periods of struggle. However, his early demonstration of power, the very trait that made him a household name in Knoxville, is already turning heads at the next level. The Brewers have in him a player with immense potential, and Sunday’s home run is hopefully the first of many to come in a promising professional career.
For Tennessee, the joy lies in seeing its former athletes thrive, while also continuing to invest in the future. With new faces joining the coaching staff and alumni making noise in the professional ranks, the Volunteer spirit remains alive and well across sports. Whether on the college diamond, gridiron, or the minor league fields across America, Tennessee’s impact continues to be felt—one home run at a time.
