In 2025, Connor Fennell spent his sophomore season with the Vanderbilt Commodores after transferring in from Dayton.
In 53 1/3 innings of work, he had a 2.53 ERA and 84 strikeouts. He also had a 6-0 record and recorded two saves against the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Tournament.
Fennell discussed his successful 2025 season in an interview with World Baseball Network.
“I had to develop a lot moving into the SEC,” Fennell stated. “It’s a really powerful conference and can be intimidating. My fall wasn’t great at first, but I worked through it. The staff and the guys helped me develop into a better player, and it led to a really good season for me and the team.”
Winning the 2025 SEC Tournament
For the second time in three seasons, the Vanderbilt Commodores won the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala.
Fennell played a big role in Vanderbilt winning the title as he pitched three innings against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament semi-final. In three innings, he recorded a save, allowing no runs, just one hit, and struck out two batters.
He talked about his experience playing in the 2025 SEC Tournament.
“That was probably the best baseball experience of my career so far,” the right-handed pitcher said. “It’s an amazing place to play. I loved playing down there — great ballpark, great atmosphere. There’s nothing like a conference tournament, especially in the SEC. I loved playing with my guys. We played really well.”
Vanderbilt’s Preparation During the Fall, Playing for Tim Corbin
Fennell talked about how the Commodores looked during fall practices and who has stood out.
He mentioned that right-handed pitcher Austin Nye and the incoming freshman class impressed him.
“Austin [Nye] has been lights out during the fall,” Fennell said. “Our freshman class coming in — their stuff is unbelievable. We’ve got really good arms from the portal, too. The hitting looked amazing. I’m very confident in this team. I’ve had a great feeling since the first day of conditioning. I can’t wait for the season.”
With a year at Vanderbilt under his belt, he also talked about what it means to play for the Commodores and play under legendary head coach Tim Corbin.
“There’s nothing better than playing for this school and this coach,” Fennell stated. “You get the best coach in college baseball, in my opinion. The standard is so high. It makes you a better person and a better player. It’s always a tight group. The school develops you off the field and on the field.”
He added, “It’s an honor to play for a program like Vanderbilt.”
Vanderbilt Playing in the 2026 Shriners Children’s College Showdown
The Vanderbilt Commodores will begin the 2026 college baseball season in Arlington, Texas. From February 13-15, they will play in the Shriners Children’s College Showdown at Globe Life Field.
On February 13, they will play the TCU Horned Frogs at 4 p.m. EST. Then, on February 14, they will play the Texas Tech Red Raiders at noon EST. The final game they will play at Globe Life Field will be against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at 11:30 EST.
NCAA News: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics
