Logan Kimberlin has lived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee his entire life and been a fan of the Vols since he can remember. So when the 2021 in-state right-handed pitcher received an offer from Tony Vitello’s baseball program, it was a no-brainer.
Kimberlin committed to Tennessee on July 17, putting out a graphic on Twitter of himself in a Tennessee uniform with a tweet saying that he was “blessed to be a VOL!”
The 6-foot-3 rising junior from Eagleville High School who can touch 93 mph with his fastball spoke with Rocky Top Insider to discuss his decision.
On why he picked Tennessee:
“Tennessee has always been a dream school of mine. That’s always who we’ve been rooting for sports-wise. It’s always been a dream for me to go there, and this year I finally got an offer, and took it.”
On what the conversation was like with Coach Vitello when he committed:
“He was very happy. We sat down with my parents and talked about the living situation, as well as a visit. When he asked me if I wanted to play for them and obviously, I said yes. It was a big dream of mine.”
On what position he’ll play at Tennessee:
“I’m just going to be a pitcher. I play outfield in high school.”
What Tennessee likes about his game:
“I’m projectable. I’m lanky, and I’ve got a lot to fill out. I’ve developed quite a bit over the last year.”
What pitches he throws:
“Mainly 4-seam and changeup, but I have two different curveballs I can run in there. I have a 12-6 that I throw mostly and I have a slurve.”
His favorite pitcher to watch:
“Always been a fan of Craig Kimbrel. That’s why I wear No. 46.”
What he wants to continue working on:
“Continue to get stronger and develop my mental game. Get more athletic and fill out a lot. Frank Anderson (Tennessee’s pitching coach) is a great coach, and he does a great job of developing his pitchers.”
On his perception of Tennessee prior to committing:
“They were going to be amazing this year. I thought they were going to go pretty far this year until the season got canceled. They were going crazy.”
On how quarantine has been for him personally:
“It was a big bummer because it came out of nowhere. I wasn’t expecting a virus to cancel my season. When quarantine started, I started picking up long toss again and hitting the weight with my trainer. I go to him three times a week. Summer ball started up a little bit, so I’ve been maintaining my strength as I pitch.”
On if he has any ties to Tennessee:
“My sister went to school there and that’s it.”
On if he has a relationship with any other Tennessee baseball commits in the mid-state:
“I played middle school baseball with J.D. McCracken, but I transferred to a different high school. And I know Drew Beam.”
