KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Niagara first baseman Eric Rataczak announced his commitment to Tennessee baseball on Monday afternoon. The redshirt junior is the third portal pick-up for the Vols this off-season.
Rataczak led the MAAC with a .396 batting average, RBIs and on-base percentage. In 2024, he set a new program record for single-season runs (59), hits (88), home runs (17) and RBIs (71).
The first baseman also ended the season on a 19-game on-base streak. He also had a 26-game on-base streak earlier in the season.
Rataczak hit the Purple Eagles' first home run in the NCAA Tournament and was named MAAC Player of the Year.
He has also had a unique path to Tennessee. Rataczak started his college journey at the University of San Diego playing on the club team. He then went on to play for two JUCOs before his most recent season at Niagara. Now, he's set to play for the defending national champion Vols.
Rataczak has one year of eligibility left but is also draft-eligible, so he could potentially choose to play at the pro level.
