A Passionate Letter from the Assistant Sports Editor: We’ve Arrived!
If there’s one unwavering passion that has consistently been a part of my life, it’s undoubtedly baseball.
This is the beloved sport I cherished while playing in my childhood backyard alongside my brothers, basking in the pleasant warmth of Pittsburgh’s summer as I chased fleeting dreams of someday making it to the major leagues. Baseball heralds the arrival of my favorite season of the year—days that stretch longer and are filled with the delightful sounds of wooden bats connecting with balls, the crisp pops of gloves, and the familiar tunes that accompany players’ entrances. It’s the game that embodies the essence of home for me.
Last season marked my inaugural experience covering Tennessee baseball, and it was also my first time engaging with my favorite sport at the collegiate level. Almost immediately, I found that it became my preferred sport to report on. Why would I expect anything less? It simply allows me more opportunities to indulge in discussions about baseball!
Reflecting on last year, I had the privilege of attending 22 Major League Baseball games, with much of my time spent perched 21 feet above the field on the Clemente Wall at PNC Park, enduring yet another challenging season with the Pirates. Yet, it didn’t matter to me; there was truly no other way I would have chosen to spend my summer days.
I observed as Paul Skenes showcased his incredible skills on his journey to winning the prestigious Cy Young Award. I witnessed the dynamic Liam Doyle excel during a season that positioned him as a contender for SEC Pitcher of the Year. I even convinced our Sports Editor, Trevor McGee, to join me at Truist Park, where we watched the Pirates suffer one last defeat against the Braves in the final game of the 2025 season. The underlying message is clear: regardless of my location during this time of year, baseball is always by my side.
One unforgettable moment was when I covered the historic transition of former Vols head coach Tony Vitello to the managerial role at the San Francisco Giants. Being present at one of his final practices, as he bid farewell to the loyal Tennessee fans, offered me the most electrifying experience I’ve had in student media to date.
My aspiration has always been to cover baseball professionally. This ambition is the very reason I decided to pursue a career in sports journalism right from my freshman year. I feel incredibly fortunate to gain more experience as the Volunteers embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Josh Elander, all while playing at the revamped Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Whether I’m stationed at my writing spot along the picturesque banks of the Tennessee River or enjoying an IC Light by the serene shores of the Allegheny, I assure you, I will be in my element.
Welcome back, baseball! Words cannot express how much I have missed you.
About the Contributor
Alex Sarkis is currently a junior majoring in sports journalism and has been an integral member of the Beacon since the beginning of his freshman year. Originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he possesses a deep-seated passion for all things related to the city’s black and gold sports teams. During the summer months, he often finds himself questioning his steadfast loyalty to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Growing up as an athlete, primarily involved in hockey and baseball, laid the foundation for his enduring love for sports. He can hardly go ten minutes without thoughts of them crossing his mind. Alex eagerly anticipates his first year as assistant sports editor and looks forward to nurturing budding writers, guiding them along the same path that has led him to his current position in the realm of journalism.
