I decided to do some research last night and see how Tony V's first 8 years compares to some of the legendary managers of the game. These are all "first 8 years" numbers:
Tony V: 72.1% winning percentage, 3 CWS appearances, 1 Natty
Bertman: 74.4% winning percentage, 5 CWS appearances, 1 Natty
Garrido: 65.1% winning percentage, 2 CWS appearances, 1 Natty
Martin: 74.3% winning percentage, 3 CWS appearances, 0 Natties
I hope that our fanbase, alumni, and administration understand exactly what we have on our hands here. Tony profiles as a future Hall of Fame manager, and if we continue to give him loyalty (in terms of financial commitment and fan support) he will build this program into a blue blood with multiple National Championships; my hope is that one day, when Tony retires and eventually gets elected to the college baseball Hall of Fame, he does so wearing a Vols hat and uniform.