The Vol State Pioneers Baseball Team is scheduled to start the spring season on February 11 and despite the chilly weather, the players have been hard at work in practice. A new player, who started this fall, may have a familiar name. Carter Vrabel is the son of Tennessee Titans Football Head Coach, Mike Vrabel. Carter is a transfer from Wabash Valley College in Illinois.
"It just wasn't my spot, Carter said. "I love it here at Vol State, school especially. I like the chemistry we have with the team. I like the teachers, it's more hands-on and in-person here."
Carter pitches and plays third base, but he's rehabbing right now from an elbow injury. "I'll be ready for the start of the season. I just want to get out there and play."
Vol State Baseball Head Coach Jim McGuire recruited Carter to the Vol State squad. He heard that he was available from Mike Keith, the play-by-play commentator for Titans radio. "He just kept telling me. I've got this player for you."
Having a famous sports dad can certainly have advantages. But one cost is how busy dad is during the NFL season. "During the season it's hard. When I was young, I would go to bed before he got home." But Coach Vrabel does make time to see his kids play. He attended several baseball games at Vol State during the fall scrimmage season. And, of course, Carter will be at the Divisional Playoff game Saturday, cheering on the Titans. "It's extra crazy this year, but I'm used to it."
Coach McGuire began his Vol State career just last fall. "It was a transition. I was getting to know them and them know me. I think we have good depth. We're just going to have to have guys stepping up in certain roles. If everything lines up, I think we have a chance to make some noise and have a good season."
Carter is likely to be pitching as a reliever or closer this spring. The coach says his curve ball gives him depth in that role. Carter said his speed is about 89 or 90 mph when he is doing well. Everyone is ready for warmer weather, but for Carter that comes with the call of the diamond. "I'm looking forward to getting back out there with the guys," he said.
We'll have previews of Vol State Baseball and Softball coming up soon on the Vol State Chat radio show on WVCP-FM. And a reminder that the Basketball season is in full-swing. Games for all Vol State sports are free to everyone. Look for the schedules at www.volstatepioneers.com
