Mitch Barnhart congratulates Nick Mingione, Kentucky on historic baseball season

For the first time in program history, Kentucky baseball’s season came to an end in Omaha at the College World Series.

After defeating NC State in walk-off fashion to begin their stay, the Wildcats couldn’t find their bats against SEC opponents Texas A&M and Florida. The Gators defeated Kentucky 15-4 on Wednesday to finish the Wildcats historic season.

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While head coach Nick Mingione and his Bat ‘Cats are certainly disappointed after falling short of their ultimate goal, Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart attempted to put into perspective just how special the 2024 season was for the Wildcats.

“I am proud of, and thankful for, this 2024 Kentucky Baseball team and Coach Nick Mingione,” Barnhart wrote in a statement. “They talk about doing things that have never been done before and that’s just what they have done. They were the first Kentucky team to make the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. They broke the program record with 46 wins this season. They were Southeastern Conference champions and the No. 2-overall seed in the NCAA Baseball Tournament.

“They energized the Big Blue Nation throughout the season, and swept through the Lexington Regional and Super Regional, in front of record crowds at Kentucky Proud Park. Thank you, BBN! They played the game the right way, an energizing way, and had countless national, conference and academic awards along their incredible journey. The showed us all that the strength of our team – is our team!

“The end of the season is always tough, but I want to congratulate our Wildcats on a special year. Thank you, Coach Mingione and team, for bringing us — all of BBN — along on the Road to Omaha. They have had a historic season. We are looking forward to more dogpiles and fun as we go forward. Go Big Blue!”

Kentucky ultimately ended its season with a 46-16 record. Those 46 wins, which includes six-straight to begin the NCAA Tournament, are the most in UK program history and included the first-ever SEC regular season championship in program history. Mingione’s success in Lexington continues as he sits at 262-166 since joining the program before the 2017 season. He’s the second-winningest coach in school history.

While the Wildcats’ season is complete, there is sure to be a lot of buzz surrounding the program as the offseason takes shape. With the unique style of offense Mingione specializes in, it’s not farfetched to guess that Lexington may become a destination for some high-end transfers and blue-chip high school prospects. That remains to be seen, however, and for now Kentucky can hang its hat knowing this group made history this season.