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Tony Vitello reacts to Tennessee legend Todd Helton’s Hall of Fame selection
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Tony Vitello and the rest of the Tennessee baseball family is celebrating Tuesday’s big news that Knoxville’s own Todd Helton is officially a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Vitello reacted as a proud Vol after Helton’s election was announced.
“What Todd Helton did for the Colorado Rockies organization is nothing short of legendary,” Vitello said in a program release. “Nonetheless, folks here think just as highly of all he has accomplished in our great state. What he has done in this community prior to, during and after his time on Rocky Top may never be duplicated.
“He went from being a local superstar in high school to being a hometown representative for the University of Tennessee here in Knoxville. As many I’m sure have mentioned, he was not just a two-way standout on the baseball field but also a legit two-sport athlete. Athleticism helped create those opportunities, but extreme competitiveness helped fuel his success. Ever since his days of success in Major League Baseball have concluded, he has given back to UT in every way you can possibly imagine. He truly deserves every bit of love he receives from Vol Nation.”
One part of Helton’s giving back to UT was when he joined the baseball staff in a volunteer role as director of player development in January 2017. In 2022, Helton was hired by the Colorado Rockies as a special assistant to the GM.
Helton helped lead the Vols to their second-ever College World Series appearance in 1995. Under Vitello, UT has made its fifth and sixth trips to Omaha, including last season. Tennessee opens the 2024 season by taking part in the Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington, Texas on Feb. 16.
Featured image provided via UT Athletics
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
