The Bat Cats Are Off To Another Hot Start, Meet Some Key Position Players

@CoachRyanKY

(LEXINGTON)- Kentucky baseball made noise around the Commonwealth last season after punching their first ticket to the College World Series. Finally clearing the hurdle that had eluded the program for it’s entire history. Attendance records were set all last season in Kentucky Proud Park as the Big Blue Nation has shown a newfound interest in the baseball program. After losing a sizable portion of the roster, Head Coach Nick Mingione was tasked with building another competitive roster to face the juggernaut that awaits in Southeastern Conference play. To this point in the season, it appears as if he has done just that. Obviously, Kentucky has not faced the level of competition they will face in conference, but an 8-1 start to the season gives fans plenty of reason for optimism. New faces will adorn the diamond this season for Mingione & Co. Here are a few pieces that I think will be key if Kentucky wants to return to Omaha again.

SS, Tyler Bell (Fr.)

Tyler Bell was one of the most highly touted recruits in the 2024 class. The Frankfort, Illinois native was chosen in the Second Round (No. 66 overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2024 MLB Draft. Bell, elected to forgo professional baseball (for now) and honor his commitment to the University of Kentucky. Perfect Game, ranked Bell as the #13 Freshman in the country. Bell, an elite fielder, has also shown ability at the plate boasting an impressive .323 average on the season leading into Sunday. Bell’s main ability however lies in defense, with cat like reflexes (pun intended) batters are going to have to EARN the base on anything hit his way.

(Photo: UK Athletics)

C, Devin Burkes (Sr.)

“The Big Blue Backstop” returns to Lexington as the face and leader of the 2025 iteration of the Bat Cats. Burkes became a fan favorite during Kentucky’s magical run last season for his leadership abilities behind the plate. If you ask any fan under the age of thirteen who their favorite player is, they are likely going to tell you Devin Burkes. Burkes’ presence will be felt behind the plate and in the DH role this season.

(Photo: UK Athletics)

OF, Carson Hansen (Jr.)

Carson Hansen has had a scorching hot bat to start the 2025 season for Kentucky. Though nine games he has an on base percentage of .500% and has lasted three big blue bombs. Hansen was previously a two-time all Horizon League selection for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where be hit .312 for the Panthers. He will provide Kentucky with an offensive threat in the middle of the lineup.

(Photo: UK Athletics)

OF, Cole Hage (Sr.)

Cole Hage transferred to Lexington from Columbia University where he was First Team All-Ivy League in 2022,2023, and 2024. A physically imposing bruiser, Hage will likely remain in the meat of the batting order for Nick Mingione. Through nine games, Hage raked in eight RBI. If Nick Mingione was looking for a player with great efficiency, he found it in Cole Hage.

Photo: UK Athletics

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