A Tennessee Native's Rise
Blake Burke, a standout first baseman from Vanderbilt University, has been elevated to the Triple‑A Nashville Sounds after a dominant two‑year stretch with the Double‑A Biloxi Shuckers. The Milwaukee Brewers announced the move on August 9, 2024, positioning the 2024 national championship alumnus for a pivotal series against the Indianapolis Indians that begins on August 11.
During his time in Biloxi, Burke compiled a .285 average with 30 home runs and 88 RBIs, topping the Southern League in those categories while also stealing 28 bases. His July performance earned him the league’s Player of the Month award after he launched 12 homers and drove in 32 runs, a surge that helped the Shuckers clinch a playoff spot.
MLB Pipeline has ranked Burke as the Brewers’ No. 15 prospect, noting his blend of power and speed that mirrors the tools that made him a first‑team All‑American in 2024. He was the 34th overall pick in the 2024 draft and is now slated to join right‑handed pitcher Garrett Stallings, a former Tennessee standout who made his major‑league debut earlier this year.
The upcoming six‑game home set against Indianapolis will feature Burke alongside fellow former Vols star Andrew Fischer, who was also a first‑round Brewers pick. Fans wearing Vols gear are expected to fill the stands, recalling the excitement that surrounded Burke’s collegiate career, where he hit 50 home runs over three seasons, second only to Christian Moore’s program record of 61.
Beyond the statistics, Burke’s ascent reflects a broader pipeline that funnels Tennessee talent into the Brewers’ system. His promotion not only highlights his personal trajectory but also underscores the continued influence of Vanderbilt’s baseball program, which has produced several key contributors for Milwaukee in recent years.
Looking Ahead
As the Sounds prepare for the Indianapolis series, the organization is focused on maintaining the momentum Burke has built. The move to Triple‑A offers a fresh environment for him to refine his approach before a potential call‑up to the majors, a path that could see more Tennessee products following in his footsteps.