Tennessee's Reese Chapman reflects on his journey from CWS fan to playing on college baseball's biggest stage
Tennessee Volunteers sophomore Reese Chapman was all smiles ahead of the College World Series final, where the top seed will take on the third seed Texas A&M Aggies. After their convincing 7-2 victory over the Florida State Seminoles, the outfielder let his emotions flow before making his debut in a College World Series final.
Chapman has been an admirer of the season-ending tournament for over a decade, watching games in Charles Schwab Field as a fan since the 2012 season when the Arizona Wildcats swept the South Carolina Gamecocks in the finals.
Ahead of the high-stakes showdown with the Aggies, Chapman revealed his incredible journey from being a fan to representing the Volunteers in Omaha.
"I remember always being a little kid coming over for an Omaha tournament and we’d always be in that long line behind the dugout trying to get into the game and somehow we’d get in.
I think the first time I ever came here was in 2012 when U of A won. I was here every year past that and now being here, and being one of those guys on the field and playing, it’s pretty cool."
The sophomore also gave a heartwarming piece of advice to youngsters who dream of making it to the pinnacle of college baseball.
"Any kid in the stands, they dream about playing on that field and playing in this environment," Chapman said. "It’s possible. You just have to stay determined and have a great work ethic."
Chapman has made a significant improvement on last season, recording 7 home runs and 31 RBI at an average of .276 this season. His 17 walks and 3 stolen bases highlight his threat, featuring as the Volunteers' designated hitter for a majority of the season.
Tennessee Volunteers keen to win their maiden College World Series title
After failing to win the coveted title in all six of their previous trips to Omaha, the Volunteers will hope this is the year they can finally break their losing streak. This season, the top seed has proven they are the team to beat, losing just once in the postseason.
However, the Aggies pose a threat to their hopes given that they are on the cusp of history. Currently undefeated in the postseason, they can become the first team since UCLA in 2013 and the 17th overall to win the NCAA Tournament unbeaten.
Game 1 of the College World Series finals between the Volunteers and the Aggies takes place on June 22nd at 7:30 pm ET.