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Nick Mingione speaks as Kentucky baseball's rebuilt roster eyes Omaha after historic regional appearance

Despite losing nearly every starter, Kentucky baseball earned its third straight NCAA Regional bid. Coach Mingione credits leadership, chemistry, and the SEC gauntlet for shaping a resilient team ready for a postseason run.
ByDrew Holbrook|
Jun 9, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Nick Mingione during the fourth inning against the Oregon State Beavers at Kentucky Proud Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Nick Mingione during the fourth inning against the Oregon State Beavers at Kentucky Proud Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

They weren’t supposed to be here. Not with 29 new players. Not after losing 7 starters to the pros, and their ace. This was supposed to be the rebuild. The regroup. Maybe even a reset.

But Kentucky Baseball had other plans.

Kentucky baseball
May 20, 2025; Hoover, AL, USA; Oklahoma second baseman Kyle Branch (6) takes a pickoff throw which Kentucky second baseman Luke Lawrence (10) beats back to second in the first round of the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met. | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“From day one, our team had a decision to make,” head coach Nick Mingione told the media. “Would they fight for jobs as individuals, or become a team? I’m here to tell you—they chose team.”

And because of that choice, the Wildcats are making history—again.

For the first time ever, Kentucky is heading to a third consecutive NCAA Baseball Regional. They’ll open play in the Clemson Regional against Big 12 champion West Virginia, a well-rounded squad that came close to hosting their own regional.

A Wildcat roster rebuilt from scratch

Last year, Kentucky authored the greatest season in school history—an SEC Championship, the program’s first-ever trip to the College World Series, and a legacy that seemed nearly impossible to replicate.

Then came the mass exodus, of the 40 man roster only 11 are hold overs from last year.

When the dust settled, only two key contributors returned: Devin Burkes and James McCoy. Everyone else was new.

“I’ve been in this situation before,” Mingione said. “And we finished dead last in the SEC.”

Not this time.

Thanks to intentional team-building, tireless staff development, and relentless belief, the 2025 Cats have defied the odds. Leadership sessions, winter retreats, daily quizzes on teammates’ names in the weight room—everything was geared toward one thing: becoming a team.

And it worked.

From doubt to dancing

The road to the regional wasn’t easy. After a tough showing in the SEC Tournament, there was real concern about whether Kentucky would even make the field of 64. Selection Monday brought uncertainty—and then, jubilation.

“There were still people who didn’t believe we were worthy,” Mingione said. “But I told our guys—I believe in this team. We’ve played one of the toughest schedules in the country, and we’ve beat some of the best.”

They did.

Kentucky’s résumé included wins over top-tier teams and a relentless SEC slate that sent a record 13 teams to the NCAA Tournament. Despite losing in Hoover, the Wildcats’ body of work spoke volumes.

Now, they're five wins from returning to Omaha.

Scouting the Clemson regional

West Virginia basebal
Jun 8, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers Sam White (11) reacts to getting on base against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ninth inning of the DI Baseball Super Regional at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Camarati-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Camarati-Imagn Images

Kentucky opens regional play against West Virginia, the Big 12 champs. The Mountaineers are no pushover. Led by head coach Randy Mazey (a fellow Embry-Riddle alum like Mingione), they bring balance across the board.

“They can hit, run, defend, and pitch,” Mingione said. “They do a little bit of everything.”

Statistically, the Mountaineers boast a strong offense with gap power, athletic baserunners, and a steady rotation. They're fresh off winning their conference and were considered regional host contenders just weeks ago.

Clemson, the host, looms large with an explosive lineup and home-field advantage. Indiana is the fourth seed but no slouch—one of the Big Ten's scrappiest teams with solid arms.

This region is deep. It’s balanced. But Kentucky’s been tested all year. For stats and key matchups, please click here

The power of belief

What’s made this Kentucky team special isn’t just how they’ve won—but who they’ve become.

“This wouldn’t be possible without our seniors,” Mingione said. “Guys who’ve been in the program three or more years, they made this happen.”

Devin Burkes
Jun 2, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Indiana State Sycamores catcher Luis Hernandez (3) forces Kentucky Wildcats catcher Devin Burkes (7) out at first base during the third inning at Kentucky Proud Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

From staff development to personal growth, Mingione emphasized continuous improvement—modeled himself by joining a year-long mentorship with renowned leadership author John Maxwell.

“It starts at the top,” Mingione said. “If I want them to get better, I’ve got to do the same.”

What’s next

Kentucky opens its NCAA Tournament run on Friday in the Clemson Regional against West Virginia. It’ll be a battle between two well-coached programs that have redefined expectations.

29 new players. No returning starters. An SEC dogfight. A rollercoaster of a Selection Monday.

And still… Kentucky’s five wins away from Omaha.

Because this team decided to become one.

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