Cameron Griffin has always wanted to be a UK baseball player

Lexington Catholic junior Cameron Griffin says his speed and avoiding strikeouts help make him a productive hitter. (Morgan Griffin Photo)

When he was 7 or 8 years old his Little League baseball coach planned a trip for Griffin Cameron’s team to see the University of Kentucky baseball team play.

“Me and my teammates got to go on the field and high five players and talk to them. It was a lot of fun,” said the Lexington Catholic junior.

He knew even before then he wanted to play for Kentucky.

“I have always wanted to be a UK player. I always wanted to go to the highest level and play in college,” he said.

Now he’s got that “great fit” he always wanted because he verbally committed to play for UK and coach Nick Mingione. He says the summer going into a high school junior year is a big recruiting period for college baseball and he knew he would need to make a decision when he had opportunities presented to him.

Kentucky’s recent struggles on the field and players transferring do not worry him.

“I have been a UK fan my whole life,” Cameron, who also plays basketball, said. “When I got offered it was really a no-brainer. UK plays in the SEC, the best baseball conference in the country. They have great facilities and a very supportive staff. To me, the real question is why not Kentucky?

“I have confidence in the coaching staff and all the players. What has happened in the past does not worry me that much. I am looking into the future.”

He had kept relatively quiet about his offers, including the one from Kentucky, with family and friends.

“For baseball, you don’t bust out on Twitter and all that with offers,” he said. “They (family/friends) were a little surprised I had a (UK) offer but no one was surprised I committed there. Everyone knows I love Kentucky.”

Cameron hit .405 last year for Lexington Catholic with four doubles and eight stolen bases. He also drove in 20 runs in 26 games.

He believes his speed — he plays centerfield — and eye help make him a good hitter.

“I don’t strike out a lot. That’s one thing I don’t do,” he said. “I try to get the ball in play and then beat it out. My goal is always to get on base and move around the bases. I have a lot of room to improve. Everyone does. My strength will come. I know that. I still think I have a lot of potential.”

He knows he’ll have a little more pressure on him this season because opposing teams and fans will know he’s a Kentucky commit.

“I like that. I love pressure. Maybe it will bring more fans to our games. I want that. I love to have fans at the game. It just makes it more fun for everybody,” he said.