In A World Full Of Nico Iamaleavas, We Need More Liam Doyles
Image: Vol Baseball
By Sam Beard
In a world full of Nico Iamaleavas in college sports, it’s refreshing to see Liam Doyle.
Money runs the world, and it’s damn sure been running college sports as of late. To many college sports fans the money hungry approach is exhausting, despite wanting these athletes to be able to make money. The problem is the balance is completely out of whack. It feels like the “love of the game” has been lost in the midst of making the most money for yourself.
What we saw from Doyle in the Knoxville Regional was a sobering realization of how valuable it is to still be a “team guy” in today’s game. In about 6 weeks, Doyle is a guaranteed top 10 — maybe even top 5 — pick, and he’s going out on short rest after throwing 104 pitches and demanding the ball from Vitello.
The only thing standing in the way of Doyle becoming a multi-millionaire is a catastrophic injury, and with that at risk, he wants the ball to finish off his last game at Lindsey Nelson Stadium with the season on the line.
In Tony Vitello’s mid-game interview he was asked about the possibility of Doyle pitching. Vitello gave one hell of an endorsement.
“He wanted to go yesterday… already said it to you guys but whatever you get on the mound is gravy. What you get in the clubhouse, in the locker room, in the dugout is freakin A+ Hall of Fame stuff.”
Coming from a guy who recruited and developed Max Scherzer, as well as all the talent that’s come through Knoxville, that’s not something he says about just anyone.
Doyle came to Tennessee to play postseason baseball and to get pushed by this coaching staff. It is abundantly clear that his performances over the weekend were not just a result of his borderline psychotic competitive edge; it’s that he would do anything to help his team win.
Credit to the culture that Vitello has built over the years — to allow the freedom for players to be themselves, showing personality, while also being a guy who sets a standard.
“Give your all for Tennessee” it’s not just a recommendation. It’s a requirement.