Cal Stark is the master of the back-pick for UT Vols at CWS

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

1 4 minutes read

OMAHA, Neb. — Cal Stark's jubilation carried from the field to the third base dugout at the Hoover Met.

The Tennessee baseball catcher searched his teammates until he found first baseman Blake Burke — just as he did minutes before to turn the game around in the SEC Tournament title game.

Stark is the master of the back-pick and he had done it again, knocking out LSU's Steven Milam from first base with a calculated bases-loaded risk and winning the title.

“I like to play on the edge of reckless,” Stark said. “I just try to make plays like I’m in my backyard throwing a ball.”

Stark uses that spunky attitude and a strong arm to steal outs for the Vols (56-12), who face North Carolina (48-14) Sunday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) in the College World Series. He's on the hunt every time he crouches behind the plate, balancing controlling the game at catcher and finding game-changing backfield picks as Tennessee pursues the first national title in program history .

What Tennessee baseball catcher Cal Stark is looking to pick

Stark and Burke concocted a back-pick plan during a pitching change against LSU on May 26.

They didn't want to try Kirby Connell's first pitch, but maybe the second. They saw enough of Milam to put on the play. The infield off-speed pitch wasn't the perfect pitch for this, but it was OK because Stark is elite behind the plate.

“My main goal was to not mess up the transfer and not try to be too fast,” said Stark, a Farragut High School product.

Stark is a multitasking threat who uses the fact that he can see the entire field to his advantage. This is how he has six back-picks this season.

The senior catcher studies baserunners constantly, even up to the point when a pitcher begins his windup. It evaluates a runner's tendencies and movements. He balances this with the game situation, knowing that teams tend to be more aggressive if they have momentum. He expects teams to take more chances on base in breaking ball situations — a two-strike pitch or pitches with a power hitter at the plate.

A big secondary track? It's a dream for Stark.

“We’re still looking for him,” Stark said.

Stark often calls for a back-pick, especially with multiple runners. He does not need to signal when there is only one runner on first, because Burke will already be holding a runner and therefore playing closer to base. He's deadly at all times, as evidenced by the LSU moment and another threat-ending play against Evansville in the Knoxville Super Regional.

“It’s just about watching the game,” Stark said.

Cal Stark has Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello's confidence to play

Stark called the back-pick against LSU, which is the norm. The play was never announced by the Tennessee dugout.

It's all Stark in tandem with Burke.

“They actually don’t know when I’m going to do it,” Stark said.

Stark has the full confidence of coach Tony Vitello. He is an extension of Vitello on the pitch – and of the entire staff. He is in constant communication with pitching coach Frank Anderson and associate head coach Josh Elander, who works with the catchers.

That confidence shows in allowing him to call a back-pick and go play for the Vols.

“It’s just kind of instinct,” Stark said. “I trust that I can make a play and I trust big Burke over there on the other end of the phone.”

This is the second crucial part of a back-pick. Stark realized he had a strong arm behind the plate as a senior at Farragut. He knows it gives him the opportunity to play behind the plate. The same goes for Burke at first base. Burke has long loved back-picking runners and the pair align perfectly.

Execution requires a savvy first baseman who can time the play and score an elite hit.

Burke hunts dogs the same way Stark does. They talk in the dugout about what they see. They will touch base during a game or series. They are selective about timing and opportunities. Burke hears first base coaches telling runners not to get demoted. They know Stark and Burke have a knack for that. They share the refusal to play timidly and prioritize confidence in the game.

“Burke can move around this base like a ballerina,” Stark said.

Cal Stark made his dream come true with Tennessee baseball

Stark turned to the crowd at the Hoover Met and called for applause. Burke rushed to the mound, slamming the ball into the turf.

“It’s so fun to have a back-pick,” Burke said. “It’s pretty close to a home run – that feeling.”

Stark married the necessary elements of a back-pick — his arm strength, intelligence, timing and throwing — against LSU. He fell to his knees, his body twisting with the rocket throw toward first base. Burke timed the catch and scored softly to catch Milam.

RALLY: From Cannon Peebles to Dylan Dreiling, Tennessee baseball's victory over Florida State had many heroes

They knew they had Milam, ending the threat of the bases loaded in a 3-1 game in the sixth inning. Stark waited until the review was over before being mobbed by the Vols after delivering another Stark special.

“Hearing the crowd explode there was pretty sick,” Stark said. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Neither is his two-year run at Tennessee. Stark made the College World Series in both seasons, a dream come true for the Knoxville native whose path to UT was through Weatherford College in Texas. He's a growing reason why the Vols are in Omaha after hitting his best as a senior following a tough junior season at the plate.

He has proven to be an offensive threat. He has always been a defensive threat.

Just ask any opposing base runner who takes the lead to first base.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike's coverage, consider a digital subscription that will give you access to the entire thing.

What Tennessee baseball catcher Cal Stark is looking to pick

Cal Stark has Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello's confidence to play

Cal Stark made his dream come true with Tennessee baseball

Lina Portman

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