OMAHA, Nebraska — Tennessee is back in the College World Series finals for the first time since 1951.
The Vols made it there following three wins, beating Florida State twice and North Carolina once along the way.
Vols pitcher Drew Beam was asked after the game if the Vols need to win the national title to solidify its position as the greatest UT baseball team ever.
"I think it would really help that," he said. "We are going to let it speak for itself. It's been awesome playing for this program and seeing how it has developed, the direction it is going and I hope we can leave here with a trophy in our hands."
In 2022, the team was referred to as the greatest college baseball team to ever play before falling in the NCAA Tournament Super Regionals.
This Vols team averages more runs per game, but the 2022 team has this team beat in earned run average. Of course, the 2024 team has made it further in the tournament, now two wins away from winning it all.
This team has the most wins in program history with 57, topping that of 2022's season of 56 wins.
This team is second most all-time in home runs hit in a season with 178 home runs. They also are the first team in NCAA history with five players to have at least 20 home runs in a season.
In 1951, the team made it this far. But with completely different eras of baseball, a comparison would be hard. These players are proud to have brought this team back to this stage of the tournament again though.
"It's special," said Nate Snead, a Vols pitcher. "We're not complacent. We are always trying to get better, we are always trying to win. I think we are here for a reason."
The Vols are glad their hard work this season has paid off so far.
'"This group worked super hard," said Christian Moore, a Vols second baseman. We worked the whole offseason to be in this situation. For us to be in this situation is surreal and I'm trying to soak it all in."
If the Vols win it all, the debate will be over. However, UT is still two wins away from capturing the first title in program history.
Tennessee will play Texas A&M in the College World Series finals.
