CELEBRATION FILLED AT ROCKY TOP: KIRBY CONNELL CELEBRATES THE ARRIVAL OF HIS NEWBORN BABY AS VOL NATION BURSTS INTO JOY…
By: Tennessee Volunteer Times | June 24, 2025
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The heartbeat of Rocky Top pulsed with unprecedented joy and jubilation this week as one of Tennessee’s most beloved sons, Kirby Connell, joyfully welcomed his newborn baby girl, Lily Grace Connell, into the world. The news was announced with heartfelt pride and radiant love on Monday morning, sending waves of celebration across Knoxville, the University of Tennessee community, and the entire Volunteer family.
Connell — former Tennessee baseball star, fan favorite, and now assistant coach — made the announcement on social media with a tender photo: him holding his baby girl wrapped in a soft Tennessee orange blanket, a wide smile on his face and unmistakable tears of joy in his eyes. The caption read:
> “She’s here. Healthy. Beautiful. And already a Vol for Life. Welcome to the world, Lily Grace Connell. Mommy and Daddy love you more than words can say. God is so good.”
In just minutes, the post had tens of thousands of likes, shares, and heartfelt comments. The celebration of life had begun — and for Rocky Top, it was a deeply emotional and shared victory.
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A Star Player, Now a Proud Father
Kirby Connell, known for his iconic long hair, electric left-handed pitching, and high-spirited leadership, has been the heart of Tennessee Baseball for years. Affectionately called “The Mayor of Rocky Top” by fans and teammates alike, Connell embodied passion, resilience, and unshakable love for the program.
Now, as a father, Kirby steps into a brand-new role — one that brings just as much purpose and pride as his time on the mound.
Teammates, staff, fans, and even SEC rivals couldn’t help but join in the celebration. Head Coach Tony Vitello was among the first to respond to the announcement:
> “Kirby’s given everything to this program, and now he’s been given one of the greatest blessings of all. We’re beyond thrilled for him and Hannah. That little girl is going to grow up with one of the best dads anyone could ask for.”
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Celebrations All Over Rocky Top
The moment Kirby’s announcement hit social media and news outlets, a wave of orange joy washed across Knoxville. Tennessee students gathered outside Lindsey Nelson Stadium, holding signs that read:
“Welcome Baby Vol!”
“Lily Grace: Born to Bleed Orange!”
“The Connell Family Just Got a Whole Lot Cuter!”
By afternoon, the university’s chimes rang out a lullaby rendition of “Rocky Top”, as a symbolic celebration of the newborn who had already become a cherished member of Vol Nation.
On campus, the VolShop began selling “VFL: Vol for Life” baby onesies, with proceeds directed to a fund for student-athlete family wellness. Within hours, they were completely sold out.
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Lady Vols, Football Team, and Alumni Join the Joy
Across Tennessee athletics, athletes and coaches shared their joy in unison:
Tamari Key, Lady Vols basketball star, posted: “Kirby, congrats! Your daughter already has the best dad and a whole athletic family waiting to babysit ”
Joe Milton, former Vols quarterback, tweeted: “From flame-throwing fastballs to fatherhood! Proud of you, bro! She’s gonna be one tough little lady.”
Tony Vitello, again beaming with emotion, announced during practice: “No conditioning drills today, boys. We’re celebrating a birth in the family!”
Even former Tennessee players now in the MLB like Drew Gilbert and Jordan Beck recorded video messages congratulating Connell, calling the birth “the best news from Rocky Top since Omaha.”
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The Birth Story: A Moment of Pure Grace
Sources close to the Connell family shared that Lily Grace was born at UT Medical Center, weighing 7 lbs, 4 oz, and arrived in the early hours of Monday morning after a smooth delivery. Hannah Connell, Kirby’s wife and college sweetheart, was said to be glowing with health and joy.
Friends and family gathered quietly in the hours after her birth, and photos from inside the hospital room showed Kirby gently placing a miniature Tennessee cap on his daughter’s tiny head.
In a brief message released through the university, Kirby expressed overwhelming gratitude:
> “I didn’t know my heart could feel this full. Holding Lily Grace in my arms, I feel like I’ve just experienced the greatest moment of my life. Thank you, Tennessee family, for wrapping us in so much love. We’ll never forget this.”
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A Vol for Life—From the First Breath
In a moment that truly captured the spirit of the Volunteer family, Kirby and Hannah held a private baby blessing ceremony at Lindsey Nelson Stadium just a day after Lily Grace was born. Joined by close friends and a few staff members, they brought their daughter to the field where Kirby spent his college career.
He walked to the pitcher’s mound, held her gently, and whispered:
> “This is where Daddy grew up. One day, you’ll understand why it means so much.”
Photographers captured the beautiful moment, which is already being hailed as one of the most heartwarming in Tennessee athletics history.
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Gifts and Tributes Pour In
In the days following the announcement, hundreds of letters, baby gifts, and tributes have been delivered to the Connell household and the athletic department. Fans donated diapers, books, and hand-knitted orange baby blankets.
One touching tribute came from a group of local elementary school students who sent cards that read:
“Welcome, Lily Grace! You’re already famous!”
“You hit a home run, Coach Kirby!”
“Rocky Top is lucky to have you!”
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Looking Ahead: A New Chapter, A New Motivation
Kirby Connell has already announced he will be returning to full-time coaching duties later this summer, but emphasized that family will remain his top priority.
> “This little girl has changed everything. She’s my why, my reason, and my joy. Coaching just became more meaningful than ever.”
His players have responded with enthusiasm, vowing to “win for Lily” this coming season. Several have even jokingly offered to babysit, though most admitted they’re not quite ready for diaper duty.
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Final Thoughts: A Celebration That Will Echo Through Generations
At a time when sports often focus on wins, stats, and rankings, the birth of Lily Grace Connell reminds us of something deeper — the human heartbeat behind the game. Kirby’s joy is not just personal; it’s shared by an entire community that has watched him grow, lead, and now, become a father.
Rocky Top isn’t just a team — it’s a family.
And today, that family has grown stronger, sweeter, and just a little bit brighter, thanks to one tiny, beautiful girl who came into the world surrounded by love, legacy, and the spirit of Tennessee.
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Congratulations, Kirby and Hannah. Welcome to the world, Lily Grace. You were born a Vol. You’ll always be a Vol. And you’ve already won our hearts.
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#BabyVol
#KirbyConnellFamily
#LilyGrace
#RockyTopForever
#VolNationCelebrates
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