Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Wow. What have you done for me today?
Another article, this one from the Knowville paper.
http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/govols/article/0,1406,KNS_294_5569068,00.html
http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/govols/article/0,1406,KNS_294_5569068,00.html
Most everyone in Tennessee knew that this was a stong possibility and has been for a few years. Delmonico had burned most of the bridges in Tennessee and was having a difficult time recruiting his home state and could not even get the Knoxville players to play in their home city. Tim Corbin (Vanderbilt) and Shoenrock (Memphis) have been getting most of the talent the last few seasons.
The big question is who will Tennessee hire? The talk out of Knoxville is that Mike Hamilton (AD) has a couple of big name coaches on his short list but he will also look at Dan McDonnell (Louisville), Daron Shoenrock (Memphis), and Bobby Pierce (Troy University) as possible replacements.
The big question is who will Tennessee hire? The talk out of Knoxville is that Mike Hamilton (AD) has a couple of big name coaches on his short list but he will also look at Dan McDonnell (Louisville), Daron Shoenrock (Memphis), and Bobby Pierce (Troy University) as possible replacements.
What did he do to make folks mad?
Well, maybe after Texas' 2nd year in a row of not making it out of their own regional...Augie G. will be available?
What have you done for me lately?!
What have you done for me lately?!
The decision re: Delmonico goes a lot deeper than just wins-losses and 3 CWS appearances. It's not a matter of "what have you done for me lately."
A fairly reliable source told me mid-Feb. that he was headed towards Miami...I found it hard to believe at the time.
We'll see.
We'll see.
quote:A fairly reliable source told me mid-Feb. that he was headed towards Miami
That's one of the problems. He heads to Miami frequently ----- on his recruiting trips
Bizazz is right-Having "first hand knowledge" I'm amazed that he's been allowed to stay on for as long as he has. He, in NO WAY represents the good people of Tennessee and there are issues a lot deeper that a won-loss record although we all know that if he HAD
done well this year he would still be there. With 3 straight top 5 recruiting classes and
the last 2 years being ranked pre-season top 10 it doesn't take a genious to figure out that the man can't coach. Throw in his aloofness toward the local people and personal shortcomings which is public knowledge in Knoxville it's way past time for him to have been cut loose. Will not even get into the way he treats his players-including his own son. Hope UT brings in a coach with some class.
done well this year he would still be there. With 3 straight top 5 recruiting classes and
the last 2 years being ranked pre-season top 10 it doesn't take a genious to figure out that the man can't coach. Throw in his aloofness toward the local people and personal shortcomings which is public knowledge in Knoxville it's way past time for him to have been cut loose. Will not even get into the way he treats his players-including his own son. Hope UT brings in a coach with some class.
Moc, I hope things are going well for ya'll. I'm glad you don't color all of us Knoxvillians with the same brush.
One thing we've seen from Mike Hamilton is that he's very perception-savvy. While I only have his basketball hire as a basis, I'm very optimistic that he'll make a hire who'll pass the public relations test, as well as being a good baseball guy.
One thing we've seen from Mike Hamilton is that he's very perception-savvy. While I only have his basketball hire as a basis, I'm very optimistic that he'll make a hire who'll pass the public relations test, as well as being a good baseball guy.
Bizazz, with people like you, HiawasseeVol, JollyRoger, Fungo, Bob H. and others I have come to "know" from this site and in person, I was puzzled at Delmonico's "fit"at UT. Very puzzling???
Ty loved Tennessee, his teammates, and the people and he understood the coaching was not a reflection of the surroundings. He has fond memories of his one year there. He red-shirted this year at UNF(did color commentary for the UNF broadcasts and loved it) and is in the Valley League this summer. Next year, hopefully, he and Tucker(other son playing in the Florida Collegiate League this summer) will be pitching-and hitting- for
Dusty Rhodes at UNF.
Thanks for your interest.
I'm nowhere close to being an "insider." But I've certainly enjoyed getting to converse with some in this forum. Let me speak as an "average" fan...
Most Tennessee fans are happy as long as the program they support is winning its fair share of games, reflecting positively in the community, etc. When Rod came on the scene he ushered in a renewed level of excitement. He was graced with a once-in-a-lifetime type player in Todd Helton, and he surrounded Todd with an excellent supporting cast. Some of the players were homegrown (two were Todd's high school teammates, several from the mid-state), other were from California or Florida. Tennessee baseball became an event, peaking with their first CWS appearance in 50 years.
Much like other coaches, Rod built up "equity" from that mid-90s run. At about the time he had exhausted his equity he'd pull another good year out of the hat. He did just enough to keep us "rank and file" fans satisfied. Remember, we weren't accustomed to year after year of championship-type baseball. Also, most of us had little or no knowledge about things going on behind the scenes or character traits that alienated a segment of other coaches, players, and fans.
The fact is, Tennessee baseball is down the list in terms of fan interest. It takes a lot to get the fanbase up in arms when it's not UT football (or to a lesser extent - basketball). If anything, there's been a general sense of apathy in the community. There will always be a vocal minority screaming "fire the coach." But a lot of fans just didn't care.
However, as they say "where there's smoke there's fire." Based on informative posts from some of the hsbaseballweb regulars, it's been apparent that there have been numerous issues throughout the years. Most casual fans are willing to overlook a lot, as long as the program is winning on the field. With yet another absence from post-season (the only university sport that failed to reach post-season this year), and the outstanding success of "that school in Nashville" just three hours to the West, there's finally been enough of a groundswell for Mike Hamilton to say "enough."
There's speculation that Hamilton has considered this action before. However, the last time Rod was "in trouble" Hamilton had just ascended to the AD job. I doubt he wantdc his first official act to be the firing of a coach.
It was obvious (to me) that Rod at least responded to the pressure to sign more local talent. While a lot of players still got away, at least he could point to the roster (even though a few of these guys wouldn't be expected to receive considerable playing time). I'm also cognizant that UT must surround the local players with talent from out of state. Getting athletes like Chris Burke, Luke Hochevar, J.P. Arencebia, Ty, and others is necessary for Tennessee to compete at the highest level.
I feel for the many who weren't able to realize success at Tennessee for one reason or another. That includes players who would've given anything for an opportunity to "wear the orange." I just heard on one of our local sports-talk stations that there were 29 area players participating in post-season. Arguably, some of those players could have made a significant contribution.
But, we've got to look forward and that we all learn from our experiences. In this day and age it's tough for any coach to not outwear a welcome after 18 years, except for the few that are able to achieve legitimate "legend" status. I've heard enough (now) to be comfortable with the decision. I don't wish any ill-will toward Rod, and I'm genuinely sorry for Tony. But they'll both land on their feet, and we must forward to hopefully better days ahead.
Most Tennessee fans are happy as long as the program they support is winning its fair share of games, reflecting positively in the community, etc. When Rod came on the scene he ushered in a renewed level of excitement. He was graced with a once-in-a-lifetime type player in Todd Helton, and he surrounded Todd with an excellent supporting cast. Some of the players were homegrown (two were Todd's high school teammates, several from the mid-state), other were from California or Florida. Tennessee baseball became an event, peaking with their first CWS appearance in 50 years.
Much like other coaches, Rod built up "equity" from that mid-90s run. At about the time he had exhausted his equity he'd pull another good year out of the hat. He did just enough to keep us "rank and file" fans satisfied. Remember, we weren't accustomed to year after year of championship-type baseball. Also, most of us had little or no knowledge about things going on behind the scenes or character traits that alienated a segment of other coaches, players, and fans.
The fact is, Tennessee baseball is down the list in terms of fan interest. It takes a lot to get the fanbase up in arms when it's not UT football (or to a lesser extent - basketball). If anything, there's been a general sense of apathy in the community. There will always be a vocal minority screaming "fire the coach." But a lot of fans just didn't care.
However, as they say "where there's smoke there's fire." Based on informative posts from some of the hsbaseballweb regulars, it's been apparent that there have been numerous issues throughout the years. Most casual fans are willing to overlook a lot, as long as the program is winning on the field. With yet another absence from post-season (the only university sport that failed to reach post-season this year), and the outstanding success of "that school in Nashville" just three hours to the West, there's finally been enough of a groundswell for Mike Hamilton to say "enough."
There's speculation that Hamilton has considered this action before. However, the last time Rod was "in trouble" Hamilton had just ascended to the AD job. I doubt he wantdc his first official act to be the firing of a coach.
It was obvious (to me) that Rod at least responded to the pressure to sign more local talent. While a lot of players still got away, at least he could point to the roster (even though a few of these guys wouldn't be expected to receive considerable playing time). I'm also cognizant that UT must surround the local players with talent from out of state. Getting athletes like Chris Burke, Luke Hochevar, J.P. Arencebia, Ty, and others is necessary for Tennessee to compete at the highest level.
I feel for the many who weren't able to realize success at Tennessee for one reason or another. That includes players who would've given anything for an opportunity to "wear the orange." I just heard on one of our local sports-talk stations that there were 29 area players participating in post-season. Arguably, some of those players could have made a significant contribution.
But, we've got to look forward and that we all learn from our experiences. In this day and age it's tough for any coach to not outwear a welcome after 18 years, except for the few that are able to achieve legitimate "legend" status. I've heard enough (now) to be comfortable with the decision. I don't wish any ill-will toward Rod, and I'm genuinely sorry for Tony. But they'll both land on their feet, and we must forward to hopefully better days ahead.
Thanks for the summary Bizazz.
For some reason this one has been kind of interesting to me. Most likely because when my son was in about 9th grade he told me that he either wanted to go to Stanford or Tennessee. Born and raised in California, I was pretty perplexed at that thought...definitely not against it at all...but never really understood why. I guess it may have had something to do with his perception of fan support based on watching football games on TV.
Eventually that faded, but when they began to recruit him (all by the pitching coach...never met Mr. Delmonico although my son has played against his son in HS travel ball), his interest peaked again. Ultimately he chose what he chose (i.e. Stanford)...but because of his interest in Tennessee, I've always had a soft spot for their baseball program.
I hope they get what they're looking for. One of the troubling things for players in the recruiting process is whether or not the coaching staff will be there in a couple of years. Usually with a staff that has been in place for 18 years and had a fair amount of success, you would think you could be confident in that...but apparently not.
Yet another variable to consider when choosing a college. The coaching carousel.
For some reason this one has been kind of interesting to me. Most likely because when my son was in about 9th grade he told me that he either wanted to go to Stanford or Tennessee. Born and raised in California, I was pretty perplexed at that thought...definitely not against it at all...but never really understood why. I guess it may have had something to do with his perception of fan support based on watching football games on TV.
Eventually that faded, but when they began to recruit him (all by the pitching coach...never met Mr. Delmonico although my son has played against his son in HS travel ball), his interest peaked again. Ultimately he chose what he chose (i.e. Stanford)...but because of his interest in Tennessee, I've always had a soft spot for their baseball program.
I hope they get what they're looking for. One of the troubling things for players in the recruiting process is whether or not the coaching staff will be there in a couple of years. Usually with a staff that has been in place for 18 years and had a fair amount of success, you would think you could be confident in that...but apparently not.
Yet another variable to consider when choosing a college. The coaching carousel.
OK name-droppers, Who are some potential replacements?
RZ, right now "everyone" is in play.
Some of these names are just wishful thinking, but here are some of the names being tossed around the internet boards and sports talk shows:
1. Tim Corbin. The fact he's been kicking Tenneessee's tail in head-to-head, coupled with the rise of the Vandy program has made him #1 in many eyes. I'm not sure he'll give Tennessee the time of day, but I hope Tennessee has already requested permission to speak with him following Vandy's elimination last night.
Other names:
In-state head coaches like Schoenrock (Memphis) and McClure (Austin Peay); SEC assistants like Tomin (South Carolina), O'Sullivan (Clemson); Coaches at Troy, Coastal Carolina; Serrano at UC-Irvine (was UT pitching coach in the 90s); Vol alumni in the pros such as Alan Cockrell and Rick Honeycutt; local baseball guru Garth Iorg (he runs a baseball school in Knoxville).
I can't speak for whether any of these guys are really candidates or not. Athletic Director Mike Hamilton implied on Sunday that his short list included several coaches who were (at that time) still participating in the NCAA.
Hamilton stated yesterday that the number of inquiries he's received indicates that some folks consider the Tennessee Baseball job to be a good opportunity.
Some of these names are just wishful thinking, but here are some of the names being tossed around the internet boards and sports talk shows:
1. Tim Corbin. The fact he's been kicking Tenneessee's tail in head-to-head, coupled with the rise of the Vandy program has made him #1 in many eyes. I'm not sure he'll give Tennessee the time of day, but I hope Tennessee has already requested permission to speak with him following Vandy's elimination last night.
Other names:
In-state head coaches like Schoenrock (Memphis) and McClure (Austin Peay); SEC assistants like Tomin (South Carolina), O'Sullivan (Clemson); Coaches at Troy, Coastal Carolina; Serrano at UC-Irvine (was UT pitching coach in the 90s); Vol alumni in the pros such as Alan Cockrell and Rick Honeycutt; local baseball guru Garth Iorg (he runs a baseball school in Knoxville).
I can't speak for whether any of these guys are really candidates or not. Athletic Director Mike Hamilton implied on Sunday that his short list included several coaches who were (at that time) still participating in the NCAA.
Hamilton stated yesterday that the number of inquiries he's received indicates that some folks consider the Tennessee Baseball job to be a good opportunity.
Mike Dee, University of Illinois at Chicago, would be a good fit.
Hey...he already fits here in Chicago!
Excellent point by Justbaseball about choosing your school and coaching changes.
Other than the head coach, the rest of the staff (including the coach who recruited him) is now gone from my son's school. I've lost track of the number of coaches who have come and gone in the past couple years from other schools he considered.
Don't pick the coach, pick the school and pick the school where you best fit in, ALL things considered.
Other than the head coach, the rest of the staff (including the coach who recruited him) is now gone from my son's school. I've lost track of the number of coaches who have come and gone in the past couple years from other schools he considered.
Don't pick the coach, pick the school and pick the school where you best fit in, ALL things considered.
good point, as a team somewhere is gonna be surprised that they have a new SS and are playing for a guy in sunglasses whom they prolly never heard of until the team meetingquote:by hb: Don't pick the coach, pick the school and pick the school where you best fit in, ALL things considered
quote:Originally posted by Bizazz:
RZ, right now "everyone" is in play.
Some of these names are just wishful thinking, but here are some of the names being tossed around the internet boards and sports talk shows:
1. Tim Corbin. The fact he's been kicking Tenneessee's tail in head-to-head, coupled with the rise of the Vandy program has made him #1 in many eyes. I'm not sure he'll give Tennessee the time of day, but I hope Tennessee has already requested permission to speak with him following Vandy's elimination last night.
Other names:
In-state head coaches like Schoenrock (Memphis) and McClure (Austin Peay); SEC assistants like Tomin (South Carolina), O'Sullivan (Clemson); Coaches at Troy, Coastal Carolina; Serrano at UC-Irvine (was UT pitching coach in the 90s); Vol alumni in the pros such as Alan Cockrell and Rick Honeycutt; local baseball guru Garth Iorg (he runs a baseball school in Knoxville).
I can't speak for whether any of these guys are really candidates or not. Athletic Director Mike Hamilton implied on Sunday that his short list included several coaches who were (at that time) still participating in the NCAA.
Tim Corbin (Vanderbilt): IMO, I just don't see it happening but Mike Hamilton would have to open the BIG ORANGE BANK VAULT for that to happen. I have been told that he turned down over $500,000 per year from LSU.
Daron Shoenrock (Memphis): Would be a good choice because the knows the SEC (was an assistant for several years) and he also would have a recruiting base in the talent rich Memphis high schools.
Bobby Pierce (Troy): He has an outgoing personality that the fans and players would love. The man has won on every level that he has played or coached. Pierce has been at Troy University for 5 seasons and taken the team to a regional the last two seasons and this year it was as an at large team. Pierce won a Chipola JC & University of Alabama Huntsville before taking over the Troy program.
Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina): Has been at Coastal Carolina for 12 seasons and he has been the the NCAA tournament 6 times and hosted a region this year where he lost the championship to Clemson.
Dave Serrano (UC Irvine): Was the pitching coach @ Tennessee from 1995-96 when the had the RA Dickey & Todd Helton teams. Did they not have some serious arm problems during his tenure? Most of his experience has been in California and he would have little experience recruiting in Tennessee.
Honeycutt, Cockrill, and Iorg could be used to help find a coach along with Phil Garner but I don't see any of them taking the job nor do I see Mike Hamilton hiring any assistant coach. Before this thing is over look for Dan McDowell (Louisville) to be interviewed.
Whom ever they hire they must be able to recruit the State of Tennessee. The State of Tennessee is producing more talent now than they have in many moons and any new coach has got to be able to convince the Tennessee players to stay home and play for the local state university. I am not saying that you have to only sign Tennessee players but the state now has enough talent that if you recruited the State of Tennessee and then a 200 mile radius of Knoxville you would have enough talent to play with any team in the country.