Kavares Tears says goodbye to Tennessee Baseball with social media post

Kavares Tears said goodbye to the Tennessee Baseball program with a post on social media after he was selected in the fourth round of the MLB Draft on Monday, picked at No. 134 overall by the San Diego Padres.

Tears, the Lewisburg, Tenn., native, posted on Instagram to pay his respects to his coaches, teammates and Tennessee fans during his three seasons with the Vols:

“The past 3 years at UT has felt like a crazy rollercoaster ride. But there’s not one second of that ride I would wanna miss. The things WE accomplished will never be forgotten (love us or hate us, you watched).

“Coaches, thank y’all so for taking a kid from ‘the middle of nowhere’ and showing him loyalty, hard work, and discipline. On top of that, thank y’all for never losing hope in me and always having my back.

“My brothers, I don’t know what to say. I love each and every one of y’all boys with my whole heart. The relationships and bonds we’ve made over the years will never fade. I couldn’t thank God enough for the group of guys I was able to learn and laugh with. Love y’all (for life).

“Vol Nation, thank y’all for being there when we needed you most. The support and love you guys show is unmatched and no doubt the best in the country.”

Tears was one of eight Tennessee players selected over the first two days of the MLB Draft, more than any other school in the country.

Eight Tennessee players selected over first two days of MLB Draft

Christian Moore was the No. 8 overall pick to the Los Angeles Angels and Blake Burke went at No. 34 overall to the Milwaukee Brewers, giving the Vols two first-round picks for the second time in three years.

Billy Amick (No. 60 overall, Minnesota Twins) and Dylan Dreiling (No. 65, Texas Rangers) both went in the second round and Drew Beam (No. 76, Kansas City Royals) was the second pick of the third round.

After Tears was picked at No. 134 overall, AJ Causey (No. 138, Kansas City Royals) was next in the fifth round. Aaron Combs (No. 229, Chicago White Sox) went in the eighth round.

Tears during his breakout junior season had a .324 batting average with 20 home runs and 62 RBI while walking 45 times and scoring 73 runs. Entering the draft he was ranked as the 66th best prospect by MLB.com.

“Tremendous athlete,” Jim Callis said on the MLB.com broadcast of Day 2 of the draft. “You got a potential 20-20 guy here with arm strength … if he keeps hitting and keeps getting better, he’s a five-tool player.”

The post Kavares Tears says goodbye to Tennessee Baseball with social media post appeared first on On3 .