Sonny Cortez set Tennessee’s single season home run record in 1998, breaking Todd Helton’s previous high of 20 in 1995. That record has stood strong, facing little threat for 24 years, withstanding just two Vols who have attempted to climb the mountain and usurp prior to the 2022 season.
In 2001, Chris Burke matched Helton’s once record total of 20 homers, but, even through 68 games on a team that reached the College World Series semifinals, he fell four short of matching what Cortez was able to do in 56.
Cody Hawn made his own bid for history in 2009 cranking 22 home runs, but because that Vols team finished 26-29, he wasn’t afforded the luxury that Burke was with the postseason.