Tony Vitello Delivers Intense Postgame Press Conference Rant After Tennessee Clinches College World Series Bid

KNOXVILLE, TN-  Tony Vitello found himself sitting at the postgame press conference on Sunday evening with an open microphone following Tennessee's win over Evansville that clinched a spot in the College World Series, and boy did he deliver. 

Heading into the deciding game for the Knoxville Super Regional, folks around college baseball wondered if the Vols would let it slip away just as they did against Notre Dame in 2022. The heavy favorite found itself sitting at home after losing to the Fighting Irish, while the rest of college baseball fans were happy to see them come up short. 

There were plenty of fans wondering if Evansville would do the same to Tennessee this season, as the Vols were the No.1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. But things fell apart for those hoping to see Tennessee come crashing down. 

After the game against Evansville turned into a home-run derby in Tennessee's favor, there was nothing left for the Vols to do but celebrate their win. 

But there was one question from the Saturday night postgame press conference that seemed to ignite the Vols head coach, along with the team. 

Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello went off on a postgame rant following the win over Evansville Via: NCAA

Tony Vitello Uses Postgame Press Conference As A Pulpit

If the Vols had lost to the Purple Aces on Sunday night, would the season be seen as a success? This was the question posed to Tony Vitello and first baseman Blake Burke on Saturday night following the loss to Evansville, and from the perspective of the Vols head coach, he was ready to take up for his team, and define success in his eyes. 

What the college baseball world found out during the postgame press conference was that Tony Vitello was ready to take up for his team, no matter what the outcome would've been in that final game against Evansville. 

In one of the most intense moments we've seen in college baseball press conferences, Vitello did not hold back with his emotions. He spoke about NIL, and Tennessee not being the place for kids looking for handouts to play, while at the same time revealing how he was uncontrollably crying in the Clemson locker room after beating the Tigers in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. 

I don't think I've ever seen a coach have such a prepared speech that also felt off the cuff at the same time. Vitello used dictionaries to try and define what the word ‘success’ actually means. He gave travel advice for folks not making the trip to Omaha, while at the same time using his time to recruit players. 

Everything about what we heard from Vitello felt like it was a long time coming. I'd imagine it wasn't just the one question from Saturday night, but there was a moment where he put it all in perspective. 

Knowing how much his father has meant to his journey as a college baseball coach, the Vols head coach made sure to point out that he'll be spending Sunday with his dad in Omaha. 

"At the end of the day, success for me is Omaha will be where Father’s Day is for me. You know what, if you’re choosing, if you have a father figure in your life and they’ve done something to contribute to you, it doesn’t even have to be your dad, it could a coach maybe for you guys, you should appreciate him, and you’re going to have a successful day no matter where you are."

And if you aren’t heading out to Nebraska tor the College World Series, Tony Vitello had travel advice for all those listening. 

"If it’s not in Omaha, I would recommend Cabo, Ibiza or Paloma. I’ll be there at some point. Thank you."