Viral moment from Tennessee Vols head coach Tony Vitello in 2022 is still being referenced nationally 3 years later
In early 2022, Tennessee Vols head baseball coach Tony Vitello went viral after giving an in-game interview with ESPN during UT's matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Vitello was unhappy after Vols outfielder Jordan Beck was called out for using an illegal bat following his first-inning home run against the Commodores (there was an issue with […]
In early 2022, Tennessee Vols head baseball coach Tony Vitello went viral after giving an in-game interview with ESPN during UT's matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Vitello was unhappy after Vols outfielder Jordan Beck was called out for using an illegal bat following his first-inning home run against the Commodores (there was an issue with the sticker on the bat).
“I don’t even know that Jordan Beck should be at the University of Tennessee,” said Vitello. “He forged his transcript. Actually, he’s a 35-year-old man named Mike Honcho. So he just shows up to practice every day.”
It's been over three years since Vitello referred to Beck as "Mike Honcho", but that nickname has followed the former Tennessee outfielder all the way to the pros.
Earlier this week, Beck hit his 9th home run of the season for the Colorado Rockies. As he rounded the bases, one of the Rockies' announcers referred to Beck as "Mike Honcho".
Who would've thought that a frustrated quip during an in-game interview three years ago would lead to a lifelong nickname for Beck.
