“I tend to black out” - Tennessee baseball HC Tony Vitello gives reasoning behind his infamous 'rants' during interviews
Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello led the Vols to their maiden national championship title last month. However, before Tennessee qualified for the College World Series in Omaha, Vitello grabbed headlines for his interactions with the media.
While speaking on ESPN radio's "Marty & McGee" show, Vitello was asked whether winning the national title at Tennessee led to added recognition for his work. The Vols coach responded by referencing the comments he made after Tennessee's loss against Evansville in the Super Regional.
"Yeah, it's an interesting question, because I have reflected on it a bunch. You know I went on some rant," Vitello said. "I tend to black out during those interviews. I went on a rant.
"The one thing I have reflected on is you hate to be at the end of your career and chasing a ghost. So, there's some levity kind of knowing it's in your back pocket," Vitello added.
What did Tony Vitello rant about after Tennessee's loss against Evansville?
After Tennessee's 10-8 defeat against Evansville that forced a Game 3 in the Super Regional, Tony Vitello sounded off a sermon, discussing the meaning of success and playing in Omaha.
"Omaha's real fun to go to," Vitello said last month. "If you don't play that well, it ain't that fun. But I don't really give a damn to be honest with you. So, at the end of the day, success for me in Omaha will be where Father's Day is for me. If it's not in Omaha, I would recommend Cabo, Ibiza or Talan. I'll be there at some point."
Tennessee eventually crushed Evansville 12-1 in the deciding game to make its third trip to Omaha under Vitello.
The Vols had a fabulous run in the College World Series. Their only defeat came in Game 1 of the CWS finals against Texas A&M. However, Vitello's Tennessee bounced back well to win the two remaining games in the series and lift the national title.