“Is there a number that we could give him”: Tennessee commit Eric Rataczak reveals truth behind recruitment process

Tennessee transfer Eric Rataczak has revealed the truth behind his decision to join Tony Vitello's Volunteers and the program's recruitment process. The infielder played one season of college baseball at Niagra before committing to Tennessee earlier this week.

During an interview with 247 Sports' Ben McKee, Rataczak explained how the staff at Tennessee treated him in comparison to other schools, which made him ultimately choose to join the program.

"There were schools that just didn't even talk to me," Rataczak said. "They just contacted my advisor and said, 'Hey, how much money does Eric want to come here? Is there a number that we could give him to bypass the draft completely?' And that wasn't the case at all with Tennessee's staff. They were much more interested in getting to know who I was and wanting me to get to know who they were."

During his junior year at Niagra, Rataczak recorded 88 hits, 59 runs, 71 RBIs, and 17 home runs across 222 at-bats with a .396 batting average. He was named the MAAC Player of the Year and was a unanimous selection to the MAAC First Team.

Eric Rataczak enjoying his baseball after a difficult period

Former Niagara star Eric Rataczak (Image Credit: Niagara University Athletics)

Eric Rataczak reportedly gave up pursuing college baseball after graduating from Totino-Grace High School since he didn't have any notable opportunities in 2019. After playing club baseball for a few years, he tried out at two junior colleges but failed to make an impression.

However, in 2023, Rataczak was allowed to play for Niagara and he made the most of the opportunity.

While speaking to Mike Wilson of Knoxville News Sentinel after his transfer to Tennesee, Rataczak said:

“I like to hit baseballs like some people like to go on a run. That genuine joy of it is what kept me going through it. It is what allowed me to keep my foot in the door of the baseball world."

After going through a tough spell in his career, Rataczak will suit up for the national champions next season, hoping to retain Tennessee's College World Series title.