The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee proposed its changes for the 2023 season on Friday including banning on field home run props. If approved, Tennessee would no longer be able to use its “Daddy Hat” or fur coat on the field to celebrate home runs.
While Tennessee could still use the props in the dugout after home runs, Volunteer players wouldn’t be greeted by their celebratory apparel on the way back to the dugout.
The Vols first used the “Daddy Hat” in 2021 when Tennessee returned to the College World Series for the first time since 2005. Tennessee added the fake fur coat to the mix in 2022 to complete the ensemble.
The rule change would effect other teams as well. Virginia Tech boasts a home run sledge hammer and Auburn players donned an eagle mask after hitting a home run.
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Tennessee lead the nation with 158 home runs in Tony Vitello’s fifth season as head coach. Third baseman Trey Lipscomb led the way 22 home runs while Luc Lipcius hit 19 and Jordan Beck and Jorel Ortega hit 18.
California native Blake Burke broke Tennessee’s freshman home run record, hitting 14 long balls in just 95 at-bats. Hitting a home run in ever 6.7 at-bats, Burke flashed ridiculous power in his first season.
The rules committee proposed a number of other changes too including small changes to the pitch clock rule, video reviews, adding extra padding to outfield walls and giving conferences the ability to start extra innings with a runner on second base.
2 Responses
Heaven forbid the NCAA let the players have a little fun. Don’t they have anything better to do?
Ridiculous. These are kids. Let them be kids. This proposed rule talk has got to be coming from some other conference team that is butthurt that UT and a few others are so dominant in the lately. If this passes ill be surprised.