Tennessee Baseball's Garrett Wright Embraces Getting Hit By Pitches

The junior utility player holds the Bowling Green single-season and program hit-by-pitch records.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Tennessee baseball utility player Garrett Wright has a unique approach to getting hit by pitches, which he has perfected over the years. Wright, who holds the Bowling Green single-season and program hit-by-pitch records, doesn't wear any protective gear and simply refuses to move when a pitch is coming at him. He has practiced this technique since high school, standing in front of pitching machines and letting softer 'Marv Balls' hit him, especially in the quadriceps area. Wright's 'warrior mentality' has helped him reach base frequently, and he was hit by two pitches in his first start for the Volunteers.

Why it matters

Wright's ability to get hit by pitches without flinching is an unconventional but effective strategy that has helped him reach base and be a valuable contributor for the Tennessee baseball team. His unique approach highlights the lengths some players will go to in order to gain an edge and get on base, even if it means willingly taking a pitch to the body.

The details

Wright, a junior utility player, holds the Bowling Green single-season and program records for hit-by-pitches with 28 and 49, respectively. In his first start for Tennessee, the first plate appearance of his Volunteers career resulted in him being hit by a pitch. Wright's strategy is simple - 'just don't move' - as he believes umpires won't think he's trying to get hit if he doesn't wear any protective gear. To prepare, Wright has practiced standing in front of pitching machines and letting softer 'Marv Balls' hit him, especially in the quadriceps area.

  • On March 5, 2026, Wright made his first start for Tennessee and was hit by a pitch in his first plate appearance.
  • Wright has held the Bowling Green single-season and program hit-by-pitch records since his time there.

The players

Garrett Wright

A junior utility player for the Tennessee baseball team who holds the Bowling Green single-season and program records for hit-by-pitches.

Josh Elander

The head coach of the Tennessee baseball team.

George Hansen

The starting pitcher for Oakland who hit Wright with a pitch in the first inning of the game against Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“Just don't move. All it is. Just a warrior mentality. And kind of just go from there.”

— Garrett Wright, Tennessee Utility Player (rockytopinsider.com)

“We were just joking today in our hitters meeting about all his hit by pitches. I believe that was his 50th of his career, 51st tonight. And he was like, I don't wear an EVO shield, so we're all kind of laughing, because it kind of scared us the way he said it, to be honest with you. He's a good, tough-nosed player, and it's a good kind of comedic relief when he's out there with the guys.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Head Coach (rockytopinsider.com)

“The umpires can't go against you. 'Well, he tried to lean into it.' Why would I lean into it if I don't have anything on?”

— Garrett Wright, Tennessee Utility Player (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

Wright is still working his way back to full health after missing time earlier this season with a hamate bone (wrist) injury. The next step for him is to be able to catch in games, which he has not yet been able to do.

The takeaway

Garrett Wright's unique approach to getting hit by pitches, which he has honed over the years, highlights the lengths some players will go to in order to gain an edge and reach base. His 'warrior mentality' and refusal to wear protective gear has made him an effective and unconventional contributor for the Tennessee baseball team.