Fans in Knoxville are gearing up for a rare treat as the Biloxi Shuckers bring former Tennessee standout Blake Burke to the ballpark this week. The six‑game series against the Knoxville Smokies begins on Tuesday and runs through Sunday, with games starting at 7 p.m. ET except for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
A Homecoming for a National Champion
The schedule sets the stage for a compelling matchup, pitting the Shuckers’ offensive firepower against the Smokies’ home‑field advantage. While the first five contests will be played under the lights at 7 p.m., the finale offers a midday start, giving spectators a different rhythm to the series.
Burke, selected by the Milwaukee Brewers with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has quickly established himself in the minor leagues. In 69 games this season he is slashing .269/.345/.560, hitting 19 home runs and driving in 61 runs while also posting 17 doubles, two triples and a solid defensive presence.
His college career at Tennessee was nothing short of historic. Burke helped the Volunteers capture the 2024 National Championship, posting a .379/.449/.702 line with 20 homers and 30 doubles, and he finished second in program history with 50 career home runs behind only Christian Moore.
The series also provides an opportunity to see another former Volunteer, Andrew Fischer, back on the field, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for longtime supporters who remember his contributions during the championship run.
Beyond the storylines, the matchup reflects the growing competitiveness of the league. Biloxi enters the series with a 35‑30 overall record and an 8‑4 mark in the second half, while Knoxville holds a 38‑31 overall record and an identical 8‑4 standing in the latter half of the season.