BBN is invited to welcome Kentucky back from the College World Series

MrsTylerKSR

Kentucky Wildcats pitcher Johnny Hummel (49) and pitcher Cameron O'Brien (10) and teammates gather after the loss against the Florida Gators at Charles Schwab Field Omaha - Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky’s run in the College World Series may be over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the Cats’ historic season.

The team is scheduled to arrive back at Kentucky Proud Park at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET tonight. Fans are invited to greet them outside the VIP lobby entrance. Parking will be available in the purple lot.

#BBN, you’re invited to welcome @UKBaseball back to KPP at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET tonight.

Meet outside the “VIP lobby” entrance to welcome the team back.
Parking available in the purple lot. pic.twitter.com/UKpuxwp7og
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) June 19, 2024

Kentucky’s season ended with a 15-4 loss to Florida in its third game of the College World Series. It was a somber moment, one with plenty of tears in the dugout as the players processed the end to a special run. After consoling each other, the Cats made their way to the stands to see their families.

“My parents have been — they’re the ones who got me into baseball,” Senior right-hander Ryan Hagenow said. “They’ve been by my side the entire time. So obviously seeing them makes it pretty tough because it takes a lot of sacrifice from our families for us to be able to play at this level.

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“It’s my senior year. So knowing that that was probably the last time I’ll hug them after a game got to me pretty good.”

Redshirt junior outfielder Nolan McCarthy agreed, mentioning his father specifically.

“You get to go to battle with your brothers every day on that field and they’re all feeling the same things as you. But it’s tough when you go to your parents and, I mean, they’re in the fight with you too. My dad’s as into it as anyone. He also got me into baseball.

“I can count on two hands as many games he’s missed since I’ve started playing. And the sacrifices they’ve made, it’s been unbelievable. And I love them for that. And that’s why the emotions hit so much harder when you’ve got to talk to your parents after the game.”