Tyler Bell is having a historic freshman season for Kentucky

There may not be a handful of freshmen better in the country than Kentucky freshman shortstop Tyler Bell. Bell, who turned down Major League Baseball to play for the ‘Cats, is leading Nick Mingione’s team to what is likely a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Frankfort, IL native, who was just recently moved to the leadoff spot, leads all Kentucky hitters in hits (52), doubles (17), RBI (39) and total bases (87). His 17 doubles are ranked second most in the country by first year players, and his 52 hits are third most in the SEC among freshmen. To say he’s been a major catalyst for Kentucky’s recent surge would be an understatement.

“He’s an amazing competitor first off,” Nick Mingione said about Bell on Sunday. “Just a gifted baseball player and he has awareness and feel. Man, has he played well. He’s come up with big hit after big hit and has played great defensively. But he works, he works. If you watch him pregame, it’s of the highest level. Because of that, he has confidence and he should.”

On March 31, Bell became just the second player of the Nick Mingione Era (2017-present) at Kentucky to be named SEC Freshman of the Week (previously just Travis Smith in 2023). As of now, he looks like a lock to also be named the first Freshman All-SEC selection since 2016 and third Freshman All-American selection since 2017. There was one point where the program didn’t even know if he would make it to campus or not, and now he has blossomed into one of the most exciting players in all of College Baseball.

YO QUIERO TYLER BELL!!!!!@BellTyler28 now has reached base safely in 40 of 41 career games after his bases loaded double (his 17th)!

B4 | UK 6, SC 1 pic.twitter.com/M7WMLWmqnZ

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) April 27, 2025

“It’s all about the preparation and taking on a bigger role,” Bell said following Kentucky’s 11-5 win over South Carolina on Sunday. “If I’m hitting the team’s hitting and just coming through in big spots for the team has been a lot of fun and we’re playing good.”

Bell has reached base safely in 40 of his 41 career games and was named a First Team Midseason Freshman All-American selection by Perfect Game. Kentucky’s shortstop has notched a hit in 19 of his last 22 games and has driven in 19 RBI in that span. If the ‘Cats are going to go on a run to a Super Regional for the third time in three seasons, strong play from the star freshman will be vital. If he’s shown anything this season however, it’s that he’s up to the moment whatever it is.

Bell and the ‘Cats, which have won six of their last eight games, will be back in action Tuesday night at Western Kentucky. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.