Vanderbilt’s Jack Leiter Officially Signs To Texas Rangers With $7.9 Million Bonus

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Jack Leiter. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Former Vanderbilt pitcher and 2021 MLB Draft No. 2 overall pick Jack Leiter signs a contract with the Texas Rangers with a $7.9 million signing bonus, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

The signing bonus marks the second largest in MLB history for a drafted pitcher since Gerrit Cole received $8 million from the Pittsburgh Pirates  in 2011. Since Cole’s signing, the MLB has changed the rules regarding signing bonuses for draftees, meaning that under the new system Leiter is the highest paid.

Leiter had one of the best seasons in all of college baseball this past season putting up 179 strikeouts, tied with teammate Kumar Rocker for the most in all of NCAA DI. He had an 11-4 record averaging 14.6 strikeouts per 9 innings with a 0.845 WHIP. He posted a 2.13 ERA across 110 innings and pitched a 16-strikeout no-hitter against South Carolina in his SEC debut on March 20.


“It’s so special, I’m forever thankful for the two years I spent there,” said Leiter in a press conference. “[Vanderbilt’s program] is really similar to the ideas and principles in the Texas Ranger organization. You’re a person first and a baseball player afterwards.”

Vanderbilt saw seven players get drafted in this years draft including two in the first round in Leiter and Rocker. This year’s draft was the fourth time in the past five years that the Commodores had at least seven players selected in an MLB Draft.

“From coach [Tim] Corbin, coach [Scott] Brown at Vanderbilt, and the entire staff at Vanderbilt from top to bottom, I can’t thank them enough,” Leiter shared.

Leiter will not play in the Rangers minor league system this current season but will instead be heading back to Vanderbilt in the fall to finish his degree. He will also be working out in a joint program through both Vanderbilt and the Rangers, according to Rangers General Manager Chris Young.

Music City Baseball, Topps, Negro League Baseball Museum Launch Nashville Stars Rookie Cards

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Music City Baseball’s (MCB) Music Industry Advisors Kane Brown, Luke Combs, and Willie Jones have partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Adidas, Topps Trading Cards, and the Fluent Group to launch an exclusive new series of Nashville Stars rookie cards and jerseys to honor former Negro Leagues players. Both advisors and former Negro Leagues players are featured on the cards with the advisors wearing the Nashville Stars Adidas jerseys on the front, and a description of a Negro League story or player on the back.

“The launch of these cards celebrates the players and the impact they made on the world of professional baseball,” says Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to share the history while expanding the museum’s support base.”

The three MCB Industry Advisors met with Kendrick to become familiar with the stories of legendary players and select a player whose history and passion resonated with them. Combs picked 18th & Vine, Brown chose Willie Mays, and Jones selected Satchel Paige. The creation and release of these baseball cards is one of Music City Baseball’s many contributions to the Negro Leagues Museum, including revenue sharing on all promotional items sold on their website. If the group is awarded a Major League franchise, their name would be the Nashville Stars which pays homage to one of the Negro Leagues teams who played in Nashville in the 1940’s. 

“The great Buck O’Neil once said ‘At 18th & Vine, you couldn’t toss a baseball without hitting a musician, and you couldn’t whistle a tune without having a ballplayer join in.’ I chose this story for my card because it still rings true today–man, I love my job but it sure would be cool to trade places with a professional baseball player for a day,” Combs explains.

“The legend of Satchel is more than being one of the greatest pitchers of all time–he knew how to bring another level of energy to the game. Fans exited the stadium knowing he left everything on the field and entertained the heck out of them from start to finish. That’s what I aspire to do,” says Jones.

For this endeavor, MCB worked with The Fluent Group, an innovation venture studio that creates new concepts and content that move culture forward. The Fluent Group collaborated with illustrator Daniel Sulzberg from Danvillage Illustration to bring each of the cards to life. Sulzberg married reality with fantastical elements to present the Negro Leagues in a new way.

Both the Nashville Stars Adidas jerseys and exclusive Topps baseball cards are available for purchase now.

College Corner: Vanderbilt Baseball, UTK Extends Coaches, MTSU Pitcher Drafted

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Seven Vanderbilt Baseball Players Taken In 2021 MLB Draft

Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

After making their second-straight College World Series appearance, Vanderbilt baseball saw seven of its top players get selected by major league teams in the 2021 MLB Draft. Superstar pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker were both picked in the first round of the draft. Leiter was taken as the No. 2 overall pick by the Texas Rangers and Rocker was taken as No. 10 by the New York Mets.

The Commodores saw three more of its players get picked up in the second day of the draft. Luke Murphy was taken in the fourth round as the No. 110 pick by the Los Angeles Angels, while CJ Rodriguez was taken in the fifth round at No. 158 by the Oakland Athletics and Hugh Fisher was taken in the 10th round as pick No. 288 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. On the last day of the draft, Jayson Gonzalez was picked by the Chicago White Sox in the 17th round at No. 515 while Junior Dominic Keegan was selected by the New York Yankees in the 18th round with the 573 overall pick.

The picks in the 2021 draft mark the fourth time in the last five years that the Commodores have had at least seven players drafted.

 

 

University Of Tennessee Extends Contracts For Nine Coaches

University of Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White has announced that nine of its head coaches will have their contracts extended.

Coaches awarded with extensions were Rick Barnes (men’s basketball), Lisa Glenn (rowing), Kellie Harper (women’s basketball), Matt Kredich (swimming & diving), Alison Ojeda (women’s tennis), Tony Vitello (baseball), Brennan Webb (men’s golf), Karen Weekly (softball), and Chris Woodruff (men’s tennis.)

“First, I’d like to acknowledge the fact that I inherited a very impressive roster of head coaches when I arrived at Tennessee back in January,” says White. “That’s a credit to those who came before me. Extending contracts for successful coaches is one indicator of a healthy athletics program, and we plan on continuing to be aggressive with extensions and rewarding success moving forward.”

All told in 2020-21, 11 Tennessee teams finished their season ranked in the national top 25. Tennessee was also one of only three Division I schools nationwide to advance to the NCAA Tournament in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, rowing, softball, and baseball.

 

 

MTSU’s Aaron Brown Drafted By Houston Astros

Aaron Brown. Photo: Courtesy of MTSU

Middle Tennessee State University pitcher Aaron Brown was selected by the Houston Astros with the 268 pick in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Brown is the first Blue Raider selected in the MLB Draft since Aaron Antonini was taken by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019.

“We are extremely excited for Aaron being drafted in the ninth round by the Houston Astros,” says Blue Raider Head Coach Jim Toman. “Aaron was a model student athlete, worked very hard, threw strikes and competed at an elite level. His character and team first mentality were exemplary and we are very proud of what he has accomplished.”

Brown finished the season with the sixth-highest single season strikeout total in program history with 113 strikeouts, placing him 25th nationally. His total 113:15 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 85.2 innings of work put him eighth best in the country. The Mt. Juliet native also struck out 11 or more batters five times throughout the span of the 2021 season and notched a career-high 13 punch outs against Memphis on March 19.

Nashville Sounds Extend Season By 10

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The Nashville Sounds are adding 10 games to the end of their season from rescheduled games at the start of the 2021 season. These additions will be played in a new postseason tournament format called the “Triple-A Final Stretch.”

The Sounds will now finish the 2021 season with a five-game series against the Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The series will begin on Sept. 29 and conclude Oct. 3 with the first four games at Indianapolis beginning at 6:05 p.m. CT and the season finale beginning at 12:35 p.m. CT.

A 2021 Triple-A East Regular Season Champion will be named based on overall winning percentage through the originally scheduled championship season concluding on Sept. 19. The Sounds are currently 38-22 and own the third-best record in the league.

Additionally, among the 30 Triple-A Clubs, a single 2021 Triple-A Final Stretch Winner will also be crowned based on the highest overall winning percentage during this 10-game stretch. The winning Club will be awarded a prize from Major League Baseball.

Following the previously announced final series of the season at Gwinnett from Sept. 14-19, the Sounds will now return home to First Horizon Park to host five-games against the Columbus Clippers, Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, from Wednesday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 26.

Single-game tickets for all five newly added home games are on sale now. Current season ticket members will be contacted by their individual sales representative within the next few days with more information.

Vanderbilt’s Jack Leiter Drafted By Texas Rangers, Kumar Rocker By New York Mets

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Kumar Rocker & Jack Leiter

Vanderbilt had another big day at the MLB Draft as the Commodores two best players and college baseball’s best pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker both got picked in the top 10 of the 2021 MLB Draft on Sunday night. Leiter went second overall, getting picked by the Texas Rangers while Rocker was picked by the New York Mets at the 10th pick.

Leiter became Vanderbilt’s seventh player to be taken in the top five of MLB Draft in program history. The New Jersey native was a unanimous first team All-American, and was selected as a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award. The right-hander was also tabbed as the SEC Newcomer of the Year, and received All-SEC first team honors and Newcomer All-SEC recognition as well. Leiter registered 201 strikeouts across his two seasons, including a nation-leading 179 strikeouts in 2021. Leiter closed out the season ranking third in the country in hits allowed per nine innings with a mark of 3.93.

Rocker, a junior at Vanderbilt, is the third Commodore to be drafted by the New York Mets and the first since 1987 when the club selected David Joiner. Rocker wrapped up his sophomore season by being tabbed as a unanimous first team All-American, while also being selected as a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award. He posted a 14-4 record on the mound this season, including 3-1 in the NCAA Tournament. The junior right-hander notched 179 strikeouts on the campaign, becoming the second player since 1988 to lead the nation in both strikeouts and wins in the same season. Former National Freshman of the Year and Most Outstanding Player of the 2019 College World Series, Rocker has tallied 321 career strikeouts over his three years, putting him fourth all-time in Vanderbilt history. His 179 strikeouts in 2021 tie him for the second-most in a single-season with teammate Leiter.

The second round of the MLB Draft begins tonight (July 12) with more Vanderbilt players are expected to get picked up.

Blood Assurance To Host Blood Drive At First Horizon Park

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Blood Assurance is teaming up with Cumulus Media to host a string of blood drives outside of First Horizon Park this weekend from July 1-4.

Blood usage tends to increase during the 4th of July weekend due to travel and water activities. Blood Assurance needs to be prepared with an adequate supply of blood on the shelf to help local hospitals meet the need of area patients, and since blood cannot be manufactured volunteers are crucial to the process.

“We are very excited to partner with Blood Assurance and host these drives that will save lives in our community,” says Doug Scopel, Nashville Sounds VP of Operations. “We are happy to help give back to the Nashville community and we can’t wait to see all of our blood donors at the game.”

Blood donors will receive a free patriotic-themed t-shirt and two tickets to the July 29 Sounds game against the Columbus Clippers. Participants will also be automatically entered to win a brand new Traeger grill. Additionally, representatives from 104.5 the Zone will be on site to meet and greet listeners.

The blood drives will take place at the Blood Assurance blood mobile from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Junior Gilliam Way. Those interested in donating are encouraged to schedule an appointment online, however, walk-ins will be accepted. To be eligible, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.

College Corner: Vanderbilt Baseball, UTK’s Ralph Weekly Retires, TSU Football

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Vanderbilt Beats Stanford 6-5, Avoids World Series Elimination

Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt shocked the college baseball world on June 23, coming from behind to beat Stanford 6-5 in a walk-off. With the win solidified, the team avoided elimination from the College World Series.

After a rough start for starting pitcher Christian Little, giving four runs in three innings, the Commodores were able to pick up two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on two RBI singles. Vanderbilt was down 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth when Javier Vaz picked up a two out walk, followed by Spencer Jones’ single. Vaz was able to advance to third after an overthrow.

This set the stage for freshman Enrique Bradfield Jr. who singled to right field, allowing Vaz to score and Jones to advance to third, tying the game at 5-5. Carter Young stepped up to the plate and took one pitch before Stanford’s Brendan Beck threw a wild ball over the catcher’s head letting Jones score the game winning run.

The Commodores will now play NC State on Friday, June 25, for the second time after losing 1-0 on Monday. Vandy will most likely have one of their two aces, Jack Leiter or Kumar Rocker, on the mound for Friday’s matchup.

 

University Of Tennessee Head Softball Coach, Ralph Weekly, Retires

Ralph Weekly. Photo By Kelly Gerdin/Tennessee Athletics

University of Tennessee’s head softball coach Ralph Weekly is retiring after 30 years as a coach and 20 years with the Lady Vols. His wife and assistant coach Karen Weekly will take over his position, agreeing to a contract extension through June of 2025.

“First, I’d like to acknowledge the extraordinary tenure and legacy of Ralph Weekly,” says Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “He and Karen have built Tennessee softball into one of the top programs in all of college softball. Ralph has given his all for Tennessee for more than two decades, and he certainly elevated the stature of our program in every facet during that span.”

Weekly has career record of 1,450-481-2 (.750) that includes stints at Pacific Lutheran (1986-94), Chattanooga (1995-98, 2001), and Tennessee (2002-2021). He is No. 4 all-time among NCAA softball coaches in career wins. Under Weekly, the Lady Vols have become one of the nation’s premier programs, reaching the postseason every year since 2004, hosting 16 straight NCAA Regionals, advancing to 11 Super Regionals, and making seven trips to the Women’s College World Series where they placed in the top-3 on five occasions, including two national runner-up finishes.

“I have worked every day since I entered the military at age 17,” says Weekly. “I have had a fulfilling life as a father, husband, student, soldier, special agent, teacher and coach. In every endeavor, I have been surrounded by amazing people whose talents allowed me to succeed and made me a better person. I thank Joan Cronan for hiring us at Tennessee and allowing Karen and I to mentor and coach hundreds of wonderful young women. I was fortunate to work with many fantastic coaches and administrators, to include the legendary Pat Summitt. I thank every player I ever coached for their commitment to excellence on and off the playing field. Each player, male or female, has a place in my heart. I will always be a VFL and cherish the memories I made at each stop. Most of all, I thank my family for their support, patience and counsel. Karen is the smartest person I have ever known. I know she will make Tennessee softball even greater and continue our quest for a national championship.”

 

TSU Football Announces 2021-22 Schedule

Tennessee State University has announced the dates and times for home games for its 2021-22 football season with first year head coach and Titans legend Eddie George.

The Tigers are set to make their return to Nissan Stadium on Saturday, September 18 versus Kentucky State with a 2 p.m. kickoff. They will also play under the lights for Homecoming night with a late 5 p.m. start October 30 against Ohio Valley Conference rival Murray State Racer. The other two home games at Nissan Stadium will be against OVC teams Tennessee Tech on October 16 at 2 p.m. and Austin Peay on November 13 at 2 p.m..

During the 2021 delayed season, the Tigers went 2-5 losing to Austin Peay 27-20, Murray State 35-13, and Tennessee Tech 24-10.

Fans can catch George’s first season with TSU at Nissan Stadium by buying tickets on the athletic department’s website.

Vanderbilt To Play Stanford In College World Series Elimination Game

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Kumar Rocker. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

The Vanderbilt baseball team has one more shot to stay in the College World Series against Stanford on Wednesday, June 23 and they won’t have either Jack Leiter or Kumar Rocker on the mound.

Tonight’s game (June 22) will be the first time Vanderbilt faces elimination during the postseason. The Commodores lost 1-0 to NC State with Leiter pitching on Monday, June 21. Leiter pitched 8 innings with only four hits, one run on a solo home run, and 15 strikeouts, arguably one of his best performances of the year. However, Vandy’s offense failed to pull anything together NC States’s Sam Highfill who pitched 7.1 scoreless innings and struck out seven.

Vanderbilt will need offensive power in tonight’s game if they want a chance to face the Wolfpack again on Friday, June 25. They will need help from freshman Enrique Bradfield Jr. who went 0-4 during Monday’s game. Bradfield currently sports a batting average of .348 and was recently named a finalist for the NCAA Division I Gold Glove Team. The Commodores will also need the bat of junior Dominic Keegan who leads the team in batting average at .358, 55 RBI’s 55, and a .656 slugging percentage. The entire team went 2-27 and was struck-out nine times against the Wolfpack’s pitching.

Stanford is having one of their best seasons and are coming off an elimination game against Arizona on Monday where they won 14-5 after scoring seven runs in the 3rd inning. Stanford has a record of 39-1, but also lost to the Wolfpack 10-4 on Saturday, June 19.

One of the biggest questions for tonight’s game, though, is who will be starting on the mound for the Commodores?

The teams best options are either Christian Little or Patrick Reilly. Little currently has an ERA of 5.02 in 12 appearances and nine starts. Among the pitching staff for the Commodores, he has struck-out some of the fewest batters, only striking out a total of 44, while his opposing batting average sits at .236. Little’s last outing was on May 26 against Ole Miss where he gave up one run on three hits in 5.1 innings pitched. Reilly, on the other hand, sports a .192 opposing batting average while his ERA, sitting at 4.89, is still on the higher side. Reilly has struck-out 52 batters in 15 appearances and seven starts. His most recent start was on June 6 against Georgia Tech where he struggled to pitch past the fourth inning and gave up six runs, four of which were earned runs, striking out six.

Nick Maldonado pitched 44.2 innings this season in 26 appearances with no starts, but has an ERA at 2.42 and an opposing batting average of .163 could also see the mound tonight. Another option for Vandy could also be Thomas Shultz, who sports a 4.19 ERA and a 2.08 opposing batting average in 13 appearances and nine starts. However, nothing has been confirmed yet by head coach Patrick Corbin.

The Commodores will take the field tonight in Omaha at 7 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.