For Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer, Vols baseball's Chris Burke, it'll always be 'Rocky Top'

Former Tennessee baseball star Chris Burke was one of the names who headlined the 2024 class of Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame inductees .

The University of Tennessee — more importantly, the entire state — changed his life through his athletic career and ultimately propelled him to fulfilling his dream of playing professional baseball. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2001 and also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres.

The everlasting influence of the Vols is something Burke carries with him and his family daily.

“It feels like home. Even when me and my kids cross the state line we always cheer and throw on 'Rocky Top,' ” he said Saturday at the induction ceremonies at the Omni Nashville Hotel. “Tennessee is home for us.”

Burke, donning a bright orange blazer in tribute to his alma mater , cited the induction as nothing short of an honor.

"I’m grateful to be a part of this class especially, but I’m just honored and humbled that the Hall of Fame included me and my career into such an honor,” he said. “I'm kind of blown away by the opportunity to be included with so many great athletes, coaches and media members that have influenced the state of Tennessee through athletics.”

Burke began his college career as a second baseman, making the transition to shortstop his junior year, when he had 20 home runs and 49 stolen bases and was named first-team All-American. He led Tennessee to the semifinals of the 2001 College World Series and was the SEC Player of the Year.

His experience in the CWS made watching this year's team win the program's first national title that much sweeter for him.

“This team had a legendary group of players and a coaching staff that has put together one of the best programs in the country,” Burke said. “It’s a program running downhill and I don’t think that swagger is going to stop anytime soon.”

Lawrence Goss is The Tennessean's sports intern with the Sports Journalism Institute. Contact Lawrence at lgoss@gannett.com. Follow Lawrence on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @iamlgoss.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: For Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer, Vols baseball's Chris Burke, it'll always be 'Rocky Top'