Kentucky Baseball's two new hires include one former Wildcat

Kentucky Baseball called Austin Cousino home to be part of the program again. Cousino’s second stint in Lexington, this time the former All-SEC defender and 2012 SEC Freshman of the Year, will be on the coaching staff as Nick Mingione’s new recruiting coordinator and assistant coach. Cousino was last seen scouting for the Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays organizations.

“We are excited to welcome Austin home to Lexington,” Mingione said in a press release. “Austin is one of the most accomplished players in this program’s history in addition to having experience in both the collegiate and professional ranks as a player, coach and talent evaluator. His baseball acumen and wealth of knowledge about all aspects of the game, coupled with his ability to connect with student-athletes, will be an invaluable tool for current and future Wildcats.”

As a player from 2012-14, Cousino was one of the best center fielders in college baseball, a three-time Rawlings Golden Glove winner for the Wildcats. In his freshman campaign, Cousino was named a consensus Freshman All-American, Second Team All-SEC, SEC All-Defensive Team and NCAA Gary Regional All-Tournament. 

He was selected in the third round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners.

“I want to thank Coach Mingione and the entire University of Kentucky administration for entrusting me with this opportunity,” Cousino said of his new gig at his alma mater. “Coach Minge has created and fostered an environment that allows everyone in and around the program to be the best version of themselves and that’s exciting. Returning to Lexington is a dream come true and I can’t wait to help the program take the next step.”

Trevor Fitts to join UK’s staff as Director of Player Development

According to Dan Hasty, Nick Mingione’s next hire is Trevor Fitts, a former Mississippi State pitcher, to become Kentucky’s Director of Player Development. Fitts is leaving the Detroit Tigers to fill the role left open by the departure of Jake Scott.

Fitts pitched at Mississippi State from 2012-15 with 62 game appearances and 22 starts, including one in Omaha in the 2013 NCAA College World Series Championship Series.