Tennessee Tandem Earns Preseason All-America Acclaim from Baseball America

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The duo of Blade Tidwell and Jordan Beck were named preseason All-Americans by Baseball America, the outlet announced on Monday.

Tidwell was tabbed a first-team selection as a starting pitcher while Beck was a third team pick as an outfielder.

Tidwell and Beck both played major roles in helping lead the Vols to an historic season in 2021, which included the program's first SEC eastern division title since 1997 and culminated with UT's fifth trip to the College World Series and first appearance in Omaha since 2005.

After an impressive debut season on Rocky Top, Tidwell earned freshman All-America honors last year after posting a 10-3 record in 18 starts with a 3.74 ERA and 90 strikeouts. Tidwell's 10 victories are tied for the second most in program history by a freshman. The Loretto, Tennessee, native is draft eligible following this season and is a potential first-round pick in the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft.

Beck enters his junior season with high expectations after a breakout sophomore campaign that saw him lead the team with 15 home runs and 64 runs batted in. The Alabama native is regarded as one of the most talented players in the country and is another potential first-round draft pick for the Vols.

Unlike other organizations, Baseball America's Preseason All-America teams are voted on by the scouting departments of major league organizations. Baseball America annually polls major league teams to vote for its Preseason All-America team, asking that they make their selections based on performance, talent and professional potential.

To view the complete Baseball America Preseason All-America Teams, click HERE.

The Vols open their 2022 campaign by hosting Georgia Southern for a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium from Feb. 18-20.

Tennessee Baseball 2022 Preseason Honors

RHP Blade Tidwell
Baseball America Preseason All-American – First Team
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Preseason All-American – First Team
Perfect Game Preseason All-American – Second Team

OF Jordan Beck
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Preseason All-American – Second Team
Baseball America Preseason All-American – Third Team

C Evan Russell
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Preseason All-American – Third Team

University of Tennessee Athletics

Tennessee Tandem Earns Preseason All-America Acclaim from Baseball America

Tennessee Baseball 2022 Preseason Honors

Players Mentioned

Jordan Beck

Evan Russell

Blade Tidwell

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