Tennessee has added another name to their transfer portal class with the commitment of Niagara first baseman Eric Rataczak.
The 6-3, 215-pounder joined the portal on June 4th and returned from an official visit this past weekend.
I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Tennessee! Can’t wait to get to work with all the @Vol_Baseball staff, thank you to them for the wonderful opportunity
Thanks to my parents for their endless support in the pursuit of my dreams. I love you guys ❤️
GB🍊! pic.twitter.com/pkHifzvLcR— Eric Rataczak (@EricRataczak) July 8, 2024
Rataczak is originally from Circle Pines, Minnesota. He attended San Diego and Arizona Western College before joining Niagara last season. In 2024, Rataczak topped the MAAC in batting average, OPS, RBI, and on-base percentage. He established new program records in runs (59), hits (88), home runs (17), and RBIs (71).
Rataczak is draft eligible and may have to make a choice based on where he is selected next week.
With first baseman Blake Burke leaving for the pros, Tennessee clearly has a significant void in its lineup to fill. Burke is a predicted second-round choice in next week’s tournament, coming off a breakout final season in Knoxville. Dalton Bargo and Blake Grimmer are two other potential first-base alternatives for next season.
Rataczak joins Gavin Kilen and Tanner Franklin as current members of Tennessee’s transfer gateway program.
