NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Excitement filled the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center Thursday afternoon as fans packed the facility to congratulate the College World Series-winning Vanderbilt baseball team.
"It says it all doesn't it?" Vandy Boys fan Alan Miller said, while holding a free, commemorative t-shirt that read "National Champions" on it. "What else does it need to say, it says it all!"
The first 500 fans in the building got the free shirts, the first 1,000 got a commemorative, championship poster.
Fans heard from Mayor David Briley and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who both congratulated the Vanderbilt players and coaches.
"Everybody in the state of Tennessee is proud of you and we're grateful," Lee said.
Head Coach Tim Corbin and some players addressed the crowd as well, thanking fans for their continued support.
"I want to thank you all out here in front of us for coming here today, for spending money to go to Omaha and taking time away from your family," Corbin said.
"We're extremely grateful and we wouldn't be here without your support," senior first-baseman Julian Infante said.
Those supporters stuck around to get autographs from their favorite players as well. The student-athletes signed bats, balls and posters for more than hour at the celebration.
