KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Five baseball players from East Tennessee are gearing up for the 2024 College World Series, representing three teams among the eight schools in Omaha. Tennessee and Kentucky both feature two area standouts, and Texas A&M features one East Tennessee product.
Cal Stark - Tennessee catcher, Sr. (Farragut HS)
Stark has emerged as one of the Vols' most consistent defensive players and has picked up the pace on offense since the postseason began with four home runs through the NCAA Regional and Super Regional rounds. The Farragut grad has started 40 of 47 games for Tennessee with ten home runs and 28 RBIs in 117 at-bats.
Dylan Loy - Tennessee pitcher, Fr. (Pigeon Forge HS)
Two-time Tennessee Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year Dylan Loy is fresh off an NCBWA Freshman All-America honor as he and the Vols head into the College World Series. The former Pigeon Forge star has made an impact in his first year with the Vols, posting a 2.25 ERA and a 2-0 record with 33 strikeouts om 28 innings of work.
Ryan Hagenow - Kentucky pitcher, Sr. (Farragut HS)
Hagenow is one of the Wildcats' most reliable arms out of the bullpen. This season, the senior made 13 appearances with a 1-96 ERA and 16 strikeouts, along with a 2-0 record and three saves. Hagenow is an elite reliever and a leader for Kentucky; fans will likely see him on the mound in Omaha.
Reuben Church - Kentucky infielder, Sr. (Maryville HS)
The former Red Rebel has gotten less playing time than he has over the last three seasons, but this year, Church has made 21 appearances with six hits and five RBIs over 33 at-bats.
Jett Johnston - Texas A&M utility player/pitcher (Farragut HS)
Johnston is the third Farragut alum on the list, and the freshman has seen bits and pieces of playing time in his first season with the Aggies. The former Admiral has made 16 plate appearances with three hits and two RBIs this season. Johnston also made two appearances on the mound this season, pitching two innings and totaling two strikeouts.
Tennessee fans can catch Stark and Loy when the Vols play the Florida State Seminoles on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m. EDT in Omaha.
Kentucky will play its first game of the College World Series on Saturday, June 15 against NC State at 2 p.m. EDT. Texas A&M will take on Florida in the second game of the day at 7 p.m. EDT.
