May 6, 2025 • 19 mins
Darren Headrick talks with Kentucky Baseball Coach Nick Mingione. Listen starting at 7:30pm ET.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, everyone, Welcome into the Nick Minjeon Show here on
the UK Sports Network. I'm Darren Hedrick with you Andy.
The Wildcats coming off a tough road trip, dropping a
game at Western Kentucky getting swept by Mississippi State. The
Cats are now twenty five and twenty overall, ten and
fourteen in the SEC. Kentucky's going to focus on finals
during the week, but they're also preparing for a top
(00:22):
twenty five Oklahoma team coming to town this weekend, final
regular season home series of the year. We'll talk about
that and more coming up with head coach Nick Minjeon
here on the UK Sports Network Here on the Nick
Minjion Show. The Wildcats are focused on finals during the week,
but they'll host Oklahoma this weekend in the final regular
(00:43):
season weekend series. Coach slides in alongside here on his
weekly radio show, A Coach Before we look forward, just
to quick look back a tough week for the Wildcats.
Your thoughts on where's some things went wrong this week?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Well, let me tell you this, that's not the week
the Cats were hoping for. I mean, obviously, we go
zero to four on the week, we don't win a game,
we go down on the road have a chance to
win on Tuesday, we don't. You go down to Starkville
and we obviously get blown out the first game. Then
we go into extras the second game and we don't
pull out a victory there. And then, you know, quite frankly,
(01:16):
yesterday again in a ball game where we had our
chances and just didn't capitalize. So when you look at
it all the way around, we didn't execute well enough
all the way around. And you know, going back, you
and I've already rehashed a Tuesday game. We had our
chances there. I thought e Walk gave us a chance,
do the ball well well enough for us to win,
(01:36):
and some other guys. But you know, this past weekend,
it just came down and you've heard me say this
a lot this year is to execution. And they were
a team that made errors and then you can pressure
and force them to make mistakes. And quite frankly, we
were the team that made the Erris. Defensively, we were
the team that got great starting pitching. And you know,
(01:56):
our starting pitching was good, but it wasn't great. I
thought Ben Cleever gave us everything that he had and
gave us a chance. I thought Nate was good, he
wasn't over the top great, and then you know, obviously
the same for Nick. And I thought Nick's outing was
a tale of two outings to where he wasn't great early,
(02:17):
but boy was he great late. So we felt like,
you know, in two of those three games, we did
enough on the mound, but defensively and offensively, it just
wasn't enough. And you know, quite frankly, we haven't had
many weekends like this, you know, when you go through
the season and you know we would, it would be
we've twelve weekends. This was just a perfect disaster storm
(02:38):
for us to where we just didn't execute at a
high enough level. And with all that said, I'll say
this about our team. They keep fighting. This is not
a lack of effort. And I think a lot of
times in coaching people speak in general terms, Hey, what's
going on with this team? Blah blah blah blah, and
all that's good, and there's times to do that. But
when I go through each individual player, and I did
(03:01):
this with our staff, and I went through every single
guy and we said, okay, let's just judge his heart.
Is he giving us everything we have? And you go
up and down the list outside of like a moment
where maybe someone didn't run as hard or whatever, but
it's like, are they in the box, are they on
(03:21):
the mound? And defensively, are they competing and giving us
everything we have? And you go through the team and
then you do the same with our pitching staff. It's like,
we feel like we have a lot of guys that
are giving forth an unbelievable effort, but quite frankly, we're
just not executing well enough. So therefore you're not going
to get the result you want. So what does that mean.
(03:44):
That means that we have to coach our guys better.
We have to get them and put them in a
better position and be successful, and we have to remove
any sort of obstacles that are in their way that's
preventing them from getting there. And if and when we
do that, then we'll get the results we want. But again,
their effort is there to dugout, the energy, the vibe,
(04:07):
the desire to win, it's all there. We just need
to execute better.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
You mentioned Ethan Walker, and I was thinking about this
as we were sitting down to record this radio show.
You moved him into that midweek spot and it's not
like he's been facing some less than teams. He's pitched
against Xavier Louisville, He's pitched against Western Kentucky. Then he
comes in against Mississippi State and a big spot with
the bases loaded, nobody out, limits them to one run,
(04:33):
strikes out to How have you seen Ethan kind of
grow and continue to improve since he moved into that
midweek role and the confidence is getting there.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Yeah, I thought what he gave us this week was phenomenal.
I mean, we brought him in a situation yesterday quite
frankly wasn't easy and baseloaded no outs and we get
out of it with just giving up one run, And
to me, that's a victory for us. And then he
gave us that chance. But he continued to grow. I
think anytime you do what or experience what he's experienced,
(05:03):
from throwing the ball exceptionally well to not throwing it
as well, it just says everything you need to know
about Ewok is that he just went to work and
just did everything he could to try to make his
stuff better. He didn't wind or complain about his role.
He just his heart was right and he's put himself
in a position for us to throw. I mean, when
you think about the times and amounts we're using him,
(05:25):
I mean, obviously there's a high level of trust on
our end, but to his credit, he has earned that.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Yeah, coach, I know.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
The fans are going to want me to ask you
about some of the injury status of guys, but more importantly,
how big is it as they focus on finals, just
to have three or four days of kind of being
off the field to heal up.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, I mean this is I mean between you and I.
I mean, we had seven guys out this weekend, just
just like I don't know, maybe eighteen was the last
time I experienced this.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
I remember that year.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
I mean, the last two years we've had every player
available at the end of the year. And you know,
I do find this interesting. When you're around baseball long enough,
you see and as a coach, you experienced things that
you've never experienced. But James McCoy playing third base and
Biscuit playing before him, I mean I was counting the thing.
I was like, Okay, Patty Hindle, Caius, Biscuit and James
(06:18):
we had five guys and yeah, so I just this
is what I'm telling you about this team and I
love coaching these guys because they just care. They're in
And I got one of the greatest compliments from somebody
this past weekend, one of the guys that actually cover
the games through ESPN, and he just said, Coach, I
(06:41):
talk to people all the time, and they just they
watch your team play and they see the buy in,
They see the energy, they see how much they care
about each other. There's a system, they're bought in, they
know what they're trying to do, and quite frankly, you
guys are really hard to prepare for, but they see it.
And quite frankly, he even mentioned that there's some coaches
that a little bit of envious of our guys buy
(07:03):
in and the culture and all that. But I love
this about the team. They just keep fighting and they
just keep trying, and so injuries, I mean this, I
can tell you this. Not having a midweek game could
not have come at a better time. It could not
come at a better time. I mean, if there's ever
been a time where the Cats need to not have
(07:25):
a mid week game, it was this week.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
So that is great.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
And then obviously finals, we place a huge emphasis on
them being the best student, the best person, and the
best player they could be. So this is their home stretch,
you know, academically, this is the College World Series for them.
This is the final stretch and they need to finish
strong and they will. I have confidence they will because
(07:49):
of the job that Michael Stone has done, the job
that they've done all semesters. So definitely a good time
for a little break there.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Let's catch our own break here on the Nick Min's
You Own Show. We'll be back with more with the
coach in just a moment here on the UK Network.
We welcome you back to the Nick Menjiones Show as
the Cats get ready to host Oklahoma, a top twenty
five squad coming in this weekend. It is the last
home weekend series for Kentucky at Kentucky Proud Park, and
as such, it'll be senior weekend, Senior Day with a
(08:15):
lot of Cats being honored this weekend. And Coach, you
have several that are out of eligibility. There's five of
them that have been a major part of this program,
helped this program get to the College World Series in Omaha.
I'll just start you with what else can we say
about Devin Burke's a two time Mister Wildcat and what
he has meant to your program.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Well, now you're gonna start getting me emotional just talking
about all these guys, because you know the reason why
you coach, one of the main reasons why is to
just develop men. And obviously we get a chance to
teach in baseball along the way and to compete for
an amazing institution and athletic director of Mitch Barnhardt and
(08:56):
president and doctor Capaluto and the big blue name Devin
Burk's five years been here five years, So you want
to talk about the depth of a relationship that I
have with him, It's been neat because you know, when
you are a catcher, you have to be an extension
of the coaches, and that's what he's been. He's been
(09:18):
an extension of the coaching staff and comes by the
office every day. What a smile lights up the coach's
office and just an amazing guy. And that has done
a lot of really good for Kentucky. And you don't
earn mister wildcat two years ago what I'll being special,
and he definitely is.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Patrick Herrera is a guy that transferred into the program.
He has waited his turn, and man has he blossomed
as a third baseman this year.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Hate he's been out with an injury the last couple
of weeks.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
But and also such a fun guy off the field too.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Oh man, just to watch his growth and some of
the guys that have come back and be like, man,
just physically the job that this guy has done already
hits baseballs now, his arm strength. He is just a
beautiful story of just what it's like to just get
in there and work and just to just make yourself better.
(10:11):
And you know, pat has one of my favorite things
that a player can possess, and he has comedic timing.
This guy he can make me and this team and
he's just, man, what a special dude. You know, a
coaches kid and comes from an amazing family and you know,
just to watch his growth as a player has just
(10:34):
been special to watch. And man, another guy, like all
these guys we're gonna miss.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
What was your reaction at the catspis when you saw
Herrera show up in his uniform and a tie?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
I mean, come on, that's Patty fits.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I mean Patty picks. He does the pictures, he does the.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Fens and you know, nothing wardrobe.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Why surprises me with Patty?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
He definitely has his own style, and you know he
can pull it off like nobody can.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
You've got three pictures that are being honored that have
meant a lot to this group. Evan Byers, Jackson Novy,
and Robert Hogan. Let's just start with Buyers first of all.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Though. Yeah, the local kid just from Nicholasville went to
LCA here in town. His heart is beautiful. It's beautiful.
He is his ability to just shape and mold himself
into doing whatever he could. You know, here's a guy
(11:29):
that had Tommy John out of high school. We honored
his commitment, we still allowed him to come. He came
to the program, and boy was at the right move
on our part because he's going to leave a legacy
of just tremendous leadership. Here's a guy that reinvented himself,
came back from the surgery, was doing just okay. But
quite frankly, we approached him about, hey, listen, like for
(11:50):
you to stay here and for you to be in
our program, we want to make you something special. Instead
of just throwing over the top, what do you think
about trying side arm or submarine and just bearing your
arm angles. We don't have anybody like that av like,
we feel like you can make yourself one of one
instead of maybe being one of six or seven, Like,
let's just be one on one. And boy did he
(12:11):
take that and just run with it. And we have
put him in the most difficult, challenging positions over his
career and he just responds, is he perfect? Nope, none
of us are. But I can tell you when that
guy number forty one rolls in and he takes the
ball from the other team, I have confidence and I
leave that pitching mound with the utmost piece because of
(12:33):
the person and the work ethic and everything that Evan
Byers does. I mean, what a great guy, unbelievable role
model for our community. Really is the epitome of the
student person player. He is the total package. Much like
all these guys, Evan, He's just man what he's done
for his hometown school. This guy is Scott at Bleedes Blue.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
And then we mentioned Jacksonovie and Robert Hogan, two guys
that really was part of a major bullpen push last
year too and this year Novi going.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
On four years, another unbelievable growth story. To just see
where he was as a freshman to where he is now.
The maturity, the confidence, the leadership that I mean, this guy,
this is what's beautiful about being a coach is to watch.
I literally feel like I hope this sounds and comes
(13:24):
out right. I've watched Novie come in here as a
young man and like he's leaving a man like. His
growth is just incredible. And another guy that has pitched
at the highest level. We've put him into most difficult
situations and all he's done is just get better and
better and better. And you know, Novie is so good
for the team, the guys. He can pull guys together,
(13:46):
he can just make help make the team a team.
He is somebody that younger guys can go to and
ask for advice. He's done a great job of that.
But his growth all the way around, like physically, mentally
is It's been just such a joy to watch. And
another guy that we're solely going to miss a year
from now.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Yeah, no doubt about it. Coach. We got to take
a quick time out.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
We'll come back and continue talking about these great seniors.
This is the UK Sports Network Welcome back into the
nickning Giones Show. It's our final segment for this week.
It's the Wildcats host Oklahoma. It's a senior weekend for
the Wildcats. A lot of on your honorees on Senior Day.
Robert Hogan is another one coach that transferred into the
program and has made a huge impact on the Wildcats.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Talking about making an impact, he was on the mound
and the ninth in the super to help take us home.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
I mean his growth.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Just never forget his recruiting experience, just the way we
connected via zoom and obviously coming from another SEC school,
and you know, last year just a key, key piece
and this year is just battling this injury right now.
Got off to a slower start, But one thing that
hasn't changed is Hogy's ability to care about the team
(14:56):
and do everything he can to help us win. And
that's what he's doing now. He's literally been unbelievable in
a dugout, an unreal teammate. He's doing everything can physically
to get better. Has done nothing wrong from that standpoint.
Just it has been unfortunate, but he's working through all that.
And you know the thing about HOGI is no one
will ever ever second guess how much that guy cares.
(15:19):
And I'll never forget an exercise that we did I
did his exercise with a team a year ago and
I just said, Hey, if you were stuck on the
side of the road and your phone had one percent
battery left one percent, you had to call someone that
you know is going to answer the phone and be
there to help you. Who would you call you only
got one percent the batteries. The phone's gonna die. You
got to hurry up and get it up. They're like
(15:39):
so many people were like, I'll call Hogy, He'll be
there for me, and I know who answer, It doesn't
matter what. So great dude, for sure, gonna miss.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Him, Coach.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
I wish we had another half hour to talk about
each of these guys and share stories with him. You've
got a great group of what you might call one
and done senior transfers that are out of eligibility after
this year. We'll just start with some of the positions
players like Rafael Pelta and Cole Hage, Sean Montoya and
the jobs they've done.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
As veterans this year.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Yeah, I just love RAF's heart. I think catchers are
just the greatest. I mean, the way they have to
serve and they get beat up and you throw a
ball in a dirt a five ounce object and you
got to block it. And you know he has really
settled in. I mean this week, he started half our
games this week. His ability to just he is a
baseball player and he's added a ton of value to us.
Cole Age Man. They guy's brains, guts, speed power, the
(16:31):
job that he's done in left field for us running
into the wall. I mean, this guy has got real toughness.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
And a fascinating conversation too. Intelligence, Oh, I mean, just
brains and guts.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
I mean he is just a special guy and giving
us everything he has, and not only from on the field,
but he's been an amazing leader for us. Sean Montoya,
what a defender, what a player just brought It has
brought so much confidence to our program. Just Serve does
whatever roles been in and out of the lineup, is
(17:02):
never wavered. It's been great to see. And then you
know on the mound, Scott Rouse just man. We've used
him in every different role and he has never wavered.
Just how he has just been coach whatever it takes
to win. He's been a starter, he's been a long
relief guy shortly. I mean, he has done it all
and we've gotten a ton out of him. Just love
his heart, Cole henschel og Man, this guy anders you
(17:26):
talk about commedic timing the guys. What a clubhouse guy.
It's gotten big outs for us on the mound. The
job that he's done is just coming here and the
guys rally behind him. He's one of these guys that
he helps make our team fun and special and love
just seeing what he's doing. Nick McKay made the best
decision he could ever make spiritually earlier. This fall has
(17:48):
just grown seven years, maturity, strength, toughness, edge has been good.
And then Simon gregorson what a teammate, what a guy
in the dugout huge role. Didn't throw as well early,
came in, made adjustments, just continues to get better and
a guy that we give them to the ball every
week when the game matters and it's on the line.
Just I mean, this is a group of guys, all
(18:10):
of our seniors, that is they've left their mark here
and they've definitely added value and it's been it's fun
to coach him and daring the same time, sad that
I'm going to miss him.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Yeah, coach, we got less than a minute left on
the show. For this week, but a big home series
this weekend. Last chance to see the Cats in a
weekend series against an SEC opponent. And I know these
guys are going to get done with finals and be
ready to go.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
Yeah, we need to. This is a crunch time for us,
coming down the stretch, last two weeks SEC tournament and
everything we want for an opportunity to play in the
postseason and win national championship is championship is right here
in our hands. We just got to go out and extecute.
So the defense come out and see us. We'll have
beautiful weather. That's right, That's right. We appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Coach. We'll see this weekend. Thank you, Go Kats. This
has been the nickning ge Oonnes Show.
Speaker 1 (18:55):
Make sure to join us this weekend when the Cats
host the Oklahoma Sooners, first ever meeting between the two
programs and SEC play. So come watch history be made
Friday night and cheer on the Cats. This has been
the Nick Mansion Show here on the UK Sports Network.
Hello, everyone, Welcome into the Nick Minjeon Show here on
the UK Sports Network. I'm Darren Hedrick with you Andy.
The Wildcats coming off a tough road trip, dropping a
game at Western Kentucky getting swept by Mississippi State. The
Cats are now twenty five and twenty overall, ten and
fourteen in the SEC. Kentucky's going to focus on finals
during the week, but they're also preparing for a top
(00:22):
twenty five Oklahoma team coming to town this weekend, final
regular season home series of the year. We'll talk about
that and more coming up with head coach Nick Minjeon
here on the UK Sports Network Here on the Nick
Minjion Show. The Wildcats are focused on finals during the week,
but they'll host Oklahoma this weekend in the final regular
(00:43):
season weekend series. Coach slides in alongside here on his
weekly radio show, A Coach Before we look forward, just
to quick look back a tough week for the Wildcats.
Your thoughts on where's some things went wrong this week?
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Well, let me tell you this, that's not the week
the Cats were hoping for. I mean, obviously, we go
zero to four on the week, we don't win a game,
we go down on the road have a chance to
win on Tuesday, we don't. You go down to Starkville
and we obviously get blown out the first game. Then
we go into extras the second game and we don't
pull out a victory there. And then, you know, quite frankly,
(01:16):
yesterday again in a ball game where we had our
chances and just didn't capitalize. So when you look at
it all the way around, we didn't execute well enough
all the way around. And you know, going back, you
and I've already rehashed a Tuesday game. We had our
chances there. I thought e Walk gave us a chance,
do the ball well well enough for us to win,
(01:36):
and some other guys. But you know, this past weekend,
it just came down and you've heard me say this
a lot this year is to execution. And they were
a team that made errors and then you can pressure
and force them to make mistakes. And quite frankly, we
were the team that made the Erris. Defensively, we were
the team that got great starting pitching. And you know,
(01:56):
our starting pitching was good, but it wasn't great. I
thought Ben Cleever gave us everything that he had and
gave us a chance. I thought Nate was good, he
wasn't over the top great, and then you know, obviously
the same for Nick. And I thought Nick's outing was
a tale of two outings to where he wasn't great early,
(02:17):
but boy was he great late. So we felt like,
you know, in two of those three games, we did
enough on the mound, but defensively and offensively, it just
wasn't enough. And you know, quite frankly, we haven't had
many weekends like this, you know, when you go through
the season and you know we would, it would be
we've twelve weekends. This was just a perfect disaster storm
(02:38):
for us to where we just didn't execute at a
high enough level. And with all that said, I'll say
this about our team. They keep fighting. This is not
a lack of effort. And I think a lot of
times in coaching people speak in general terms, Hey, what's
going on with this team? Blah blah blah blah, and
all that's good, and there's times to do that. But
when I go through each individual player, and I did
(03:01):
this with our staff, and I went through every single
guy and we said, okay, let's just judge his heart.
Is he giving us everything we have? And you go
up and down the list outside of like a moment
where maybe someone didn't run as hard or whatever, but
it's like, are they in the box, are they on
(03:21):
the mound? And defensively, are they competing and giving us
everything we have? And you go through the team and
then you do the same with our pitching staff. It's like,
we feel like we have a lot of guys that
are giving forth an unbelievable effort, but quite frankly, we're
just not executing well enough. So therefore you're not going
to get the result you want. So what does that mean.
(03:44):
That means that we have to coach our guys better.
We have to get them and put them in a
better position and be successful, and we have to remove
any sort of obstacles that are in their way that's
preventing them from getting there. And if and when we
do that, then we'll get the results we want. But again,
their effort is there to dugout, the energy, the vibe,
(04:07):
the desire to win, it's all there. We just need
to execute better.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
You mentioned Ethan Walker, and I was thinking about this
as we were sitting down to record this radio show.
You moved him into that midweek spot and it's not
like he's been facing some less than teams. He's pitched
against Xavier Louisville, He's pitched against Western Kentucky. Then he
comes in against Mississippi State and a big spot with
the bases loaded, nobody out, limits them to one run,
(04:33):
strikes out to How have you seen Ethan kind of
grow and continue to improve since he moved into that
midweek role and the confidence is getting there.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Yeah, I thought what he gave us this week was phenomenal.
I mean, we brought him in a situation yesterday quite
frankly wasn't easy and baseloaded no outs and we get
out of it with just giving up one run, And
to me, that's a victory for us. And then he
gave us that chance. But he continued to grow. I
think anytime you do what or experience what he's experienced,
(05:03):
from throwing the ball exceptionally well to not throwing it
as well, it just says everything you need to know
about Ewok is that he just went to work and
just did everything he could to try to make his
stuff better. He didn't wind or complain about his role.
He just his heart was right and he's put himself
in a position for us to throw. I mean, when
you think about the times and amounts we're using him,
(05:25):
I mean, obviously there's a high level of trust on
our end, but to his credit, he has earned that.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Yeah, coach, I know.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
The fans are going to want me to ask you
about some of the injury status of guys, but more importantly,
how big is it as they focus on finals, just
to have three or four days of kind of being
off the field to heal up.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, I mean this is I mean between you and I.
I mean, we had seven guys out this weekend, just
just like I don't know, maybe eighteen was the last
time I experienced this.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
I remember that year.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
I mean, the last two years we've had every player
available at the end of the year. And you know,
I do find this interesting. When you're around baseball long enough,
you see and as a coach, you experienced things that
you've never experienced. But James McCoy playing third base and
Biscuit playing before him, I mean I was counting the thing.
I was like, Okay, Patty Hindle, Caius, Biscuit and James
(06:18):
we had five guys and yeah, so I just this
is what I'm telling you about this team and I
love coaching these guys because they just care. They're in
And I got one of the greatest compliments from somebody
this past weekend, one of the guys that actually cover
the games through ESPN, and he just said, Coach, I
(06:41):
talk to people all the time, and they just they
watch your team play and they see the buy in,
They see the energy, they see how much they care
about each other. There's a system, they're bought in, they
know what they're trying to do, and quite frankly, you
guys are really hard to prepare for, but they see it.
And quite frankly, he even mentioned that there's some coaches
that a little bit of envious of our guys buy
(07:03):
in and the culture and all that. But I love
this about the team. They just keep fighting and they
just keep trying, and so injuries, I mean this, I
can tell you this. Not having a midweek game could
not have come at a better time. It could not
come at a better time. I mean, if there's ever
been a time where the Cats need to not have
(07:25):
a mid week game, it was this week.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
So that is great.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
And then obviously finals, we place a huge emphasis on
them being the best student, the best person, and the
best player they could be. So this is their home stretch,
you know, academically, this is the College World Series for them.
This is the final stretch and they need to finish
strong and they will. I have confidence they will because
(07:49):
of the job that Michael Stone has done, the job
that they've done all semesters. So definitely a good time
for a little break there.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Let's catch our own break here on the Nick Min's
You Own Show. We'll be back with more with the
coach in just a moment here on the UK Network.
We welcome you back to the Nick Menjiones Show as
the Cats get ready to host Oklahoma, a top twenty
five squad coming in this weekend. It is the last
home weekend series for Kentucky at Kentucky Proud Park, and
as such, it'll be senior weekend, Senior Day with a
(08:15):
lot of Cats being honored this weekend. And Coach, you
have several that are out of eligibility. There's five of
them that have been a major part of this program,
helped this program get to the College World Series in Omaha.
I'll just start you with what else can we say
about Devin Burke's a two time Mister Wildcat and what
he has meant to your program.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Well, now you're gonna start getting me emotional just talking
about all these guys, because you know the reason why
you coach, one of the main reasons why is to
just develop men. And obviously we get a chance to
teach in baseball along the way and to compete for
an amazing institution and athletic director of Mitch Barnhardt and
(08:56):
president and doctor Capaluto and the big blue name Devin
Burk's five years been here five years, So you want
to talk about the depth of a relationship that I
have with him, It's been neat because you know, when
you are a catcher, you have to be an extension
of the coaches, and that's what he's been. He's been
(09:18):
an extension of the coaching staff and comes by the
office every day. What a smile lights up the coach's
office and just an amazing guy. And that has done
a lot of really good for Kentucky. And you don't
earn mister wildcat two years ago what I'll being special,
and he definitely is.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Patrick Herrera is a guy that transferred into the program.
He has waited his turn, and man has he blossomed
as a third baseman this year.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
Hate he's been out with an injury the last couple
of weeks.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
But and also such a fun guy off the field too.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Oh man, just to watch his growth and some of
the guys that have come back and be like, man,
just physically the job that this guy has done already
hits baseballs now, his arm strength. He is just a
beautiful story of just what it's like to just get
in there and work and just to just make yourself better.
(10:11):
And you know, pat has one of my favorite things
that a player can possess, and he has comedic timing.
This guy he can make me and this team and
he's just, man, what a special dude. You know, a
coaches kid and comes from an amazing family and you know,
just to watch his growth as a player has just
(10:34):
been special to watch. And man, another guy, like all
these guys we're gonna miss.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
What was your reaction at the catspis when you saw
Herrera show up in his uniform and a tie?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
I mean, come on, that's Patty fits.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I mean Patty picks. He does the pictures, he does the.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Fens and you know, nothing wardrobe.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Why surprises me with Patty?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
He definitely has his own style, and you know he
can pull it off like nobody can.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
You've got three pictures that are being honored that have
meant a lot to this group. Evan Byers, Jackson Novy,
and Robert Hogan. Let's just start with Buyers first of all.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Though. Yeah, the local kid just from Nicholasville went to
LCA here in town. His heart is beautiful. It's beautiful.
He is his ability to just shape and mold himself
into doing whatever he could. You know, here's a guy
(11:29):
that had Tommy John out of high school. We honored
his commitment, we still allowed him to come. He came
to the program, and boy was at the right move
on our part because he's going to leave a legacy
of just tremendous leadership. Here's a guy that reinvented himself,
came back from the surgery, was doing just okay. But
quite frankly, we approached him about, hey, listen, like for
(11:50):
you to stay here and for you to be in
our program, we want to make you something special. Instead
of just throwing over the top, what do you think
about trying side arm or submarine and just bearing your
arm angles. We don't have anybody like that av like,
we feel like you can make yourself one of one
instead of maybe being one of six or seven, Like,
let's just be one on one. And boy did he
(12:11):
take that and just run with it. And we have
put him in the most difficult, challenging positions over his
career and he just responds, is he perfect? Nope, none
of us are. But I can tell you when that
guy number forty one rolls in and he takes the
ball from the other team, I have confidence and I
leave that pitching mound with the utmost piece because of
(12:33):
the person and the work ethic and everything that Evan
Byers does. I mean, what a great guy, unbelievable role
model for our community. Really is the epitome of the
student person player. He is the total package. Much like
all these guys, Evan, He's just man what he's done
for his hometown school. This guy is Scott at Bleedes Blue.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
And then we mentioned Jacksonovie and Robert Hogan, two guys
that really was part of a major bullpen push last
year too and this year Novi going.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
On four years, another unbelievable growth story. To just see
where he was as a freshman to where he is now.
The maturity, the confidence, the leadership that I mean, this guy,
this is what's beautiful about being a coach is to watch.
I literally feel like I hope this sounds and comes
(13:24):
out right. I've watched Novie come in here as a
young man and like he's leaving a man like. His
growth is just incredible. And another guy that has pitched
at the highest level. We've put him into most difficult
situations and all he's done is just get better and
better and better. And you know, Novie is so good
for the team, the guys. He can pull guys together,
(13:46):
he can just make help make the team a team.
He is somebody that younger guys can go to and
ask for advice. He's done a great job of that.
But his growth all the way around, like physically, mentally
is It's been just such a joy to watch. And
another guy that we're solely going to miss a year
from now.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Yeah, no doubt about it. Coach. We got to take
a quick time out.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
We'll come back and continue talking about these great seniors.
This is the UK Sports Network Welcome back into the
nickning Giones Show. It's our final segment for this week.
It's the Wildcats host Oklahoma. It's a senior weekend for
the Wildcats. A lot of on your honorees on Senior Day.
Robert Hogan is another one coach that transferred into the
program and has made a huge impact on the Wildcats.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Talking about making an impact, he was on the mound
and the ninth in the super to help take us home.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
I mean his growth.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Just never forget his recruiting experience, just the way we
connected via zoom and obviously coming from another SEC school,
and you know, last year just a key, key piece
and this year is just battling this injury right now.
Got off to a slower start, But one thing that
hasn't changed is Hogy's ability to care about the team
(14:56):
and do everything he can to help us win. And
that's what he's doing now. He's literally been unbelievable in
a dugout, an unreal teammate. He's doing everything can physically
to get better. Has done nothing wrong from that standpoint.
Just it has been unfortunate, but he's working through all that.
And you know the thing about HOGI is no one
will ever ever second guess how much that guy cares.
(15:19):
And I'll never forget an exercise that we did I
did his exercise with a team a year ago and
I just said, Hey, if you were stuck on the
side of the road and your phone had one percent
battery left one percent, you had to call someone that
you know is going to answer the phone and be
there to help you. Who would you call you only
got one percent the batteries. The phone's gonna die. You
got to hurry up and get it up. They're like
(15:39):
so many people were like, I'll call Hogy, He'll be
there for me, and I know who answer, It doesn't
matter what. So great dude, for sure, gonna miss.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Him, Coach.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
I wish we had another half hour to talk about
each of these guys and share stories with him. You've
got a great group of what you might call one
and done senior transfers that are out of eligibility after
this year. We'll just start with some of the positions
players like Rafael Pelta and Cole Hage, Sean Montoya and
the jobs they've done.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
As veterans this year.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Yeah, I just love RAF's heart. I think catchers are
just the greatest. I mean, the way they have to
serve and they get beat up and you throw a
ball in a dirt a five ounce object and you
got to block it. And you know he has really
settled in. I mean this week, he started half our
games this week. His ability to just he is a
baseball player and he's added a ton of value to us.
Cole Age Man. They guy's brains, guts, speed power, the
(16:31):
job that he's done in left field for us running
into the wall. I mean, this guy has got real toughness.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
And a fascinating conversation too. Intelligence, Oh, I mean, just
brains and guts.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
I mean he is just a special guy and giving
us everything he has, and not only from on the field,
but he's been an amazing leader for us. Sean Montoya,
what a defender, what a player just brought It has
brought so much confidence to our program. Just Serve does
whatever roles been in and out of the lineup, is
(17:02):
never wavered. It's been great to see. And then you
know on the mound, Scott Rouse just man. We've used
him in every different role and he has never wavered.
Just how he has just been coach whatever it takes
to win. He's been a starter, he's been a long
relief guy shortly. I mean, he has done it all
and we've gotten a ton out of him. Just love
his heart, Cole henschel og Man, this guy anders you
(17:26):
talk about commedic timing the guys. What a clubhouse guy.
It's gotten big outs for us on the mound. The
job that he's done is just coming here and the
guys rally behind him. He's one of these guys that
he helps make our team fun and special and love
just seeing what he's doing. Nick McKay made the best
decision he could ever make spiritually earlier. This fall has
(17:48):
just grown seven years, maturity, strength, toughness, edge has been good.
And then Simon gregorson what a teammate, what a guy
in the dugout huge role. Didn't throw as well early,
came in, made adjustments, just continues to get better and
a guy that we give them to the ball every
week when the game matters and it's on the line.
Just I mean, this is a group of guys, all
(18:10):
of our seniors, that is they've left their mark here
and they've definitely added value and it's been it's fun
to coach him and daring the same time, sad that
I'm going to miss him.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Yeah, coach, we got less than a minute left on
the show. For this week, but a big home series
this weekend. Last chance to see the Cats in a
weekend series against an SEC opponent. And I know these
guys are going to get done with finals and be
ready to go.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
Yeah, we need to. This is a crunch time for us,
coming down the stretch, last two weeks SEC tournament and
everything we want for an opportunity to play in the
postseason and win national championship is championship is right here
in our hands. We just got to go out and extecute.
So the defense come out and see us. We'll have
beautiful weather. That's right, That's right. We appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
Coach. We'll see this weekend. Thank you, Go Kats. This
has been the nickning ge Oonnes Show.
Speaker 1 (18:55):
Make sure to join us this weekend when the Cats
host the Oklahoma Sooners, first ever meeting between the two
programs and SEC play. So come watch history be made
Friday night and cheer on the Cats. This has been
the Nick Mansion Show here on the UK Sports Network.
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