Former Tennessee baseball star Chris Burke was among the key figures in the 2024 class inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

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

The Vols’ lasting influence is something Burke and his family carry with them every day.

“It feels like home. Even when my kids and I cross the state line, we always cheer and sing ‘Rocky Top,'” he said Saturday during an induction ceremony at the Omni Nashville Hotel. “Tennessee is our home.”

Burke, who wore a bright orange jacket in tribute to his alma mater, called the appointment as assistant professor nothing short of an honor.

“I am grateful to be a part of this class, but I am honored and humbled that the Hall of Fame has included me and my career in such an honor,” he said. “I am overwhelmed by the opportunity to be inducted with so many great athletes, coaches and media members who have impacted the state of Tennessee through athletics.”

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

His experience at the CWS made it extra sweet for him to see the team win the program’s first national title this year.

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

Lawrence Goss is The Tennessean’s sports intern at the Sports Journalism Institute. Contact Lawrence at [email protected]. Follow Lawrence on X, formerly Twitter, @iamlgoss.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Chris Burke pays tribute to Vols in Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame