Vicky Graff Photo
Before Kentucky opened College World Series play in Omaha, coach Nick Mingione made a plea for any neutral fans to get on the UK bandwagon.
His message didn’t change after UK’s dramatic 5-4, 10-inning win over North Carolina State Saturday. In fact, he shared a story to encourage others to become UK fans.
“We get an email from the local fire department and said, ‘Hey, I heard one of your players (Cam O’Brien) is called a fireman,’” Mingione said.
The group made a fireman helmet and UK had it in the dugout Saturday.
“Man, they listened. This is awesome. The people actually listened,” Mingione said. “He came in and did great.”
It was an emotional win in UK’s College World Series debut and when it ended with Mitchell Daly’s solo home run, players and fans celebrated. Mingione took a moment for himself on the field and appeared to say a short prayer.
“Just so thankful. Just proud of our team, our current players, our staff, former staff, former players, for our fans. I’ve just tried to do the best job I could with this season just making sure that I show gratitude,” Mingione said when asked about that moment.
“And there’s so many people that I love and trust and just keep telling me, ‘Hey, keep soaking it in, keep taking it all in, keep taking it all in.’ And I’m doing it. I’ve done it all year. I get to be around an amazing group of 18- to 24-year-olds and staff members, and I just want to keep taking it in.”
Mingione said it was an amazing game thanks in part to a large contingent of Kentucky fans in Omaha.
“Just two teams just duking it out and taking advantage of opportunities. And just so thankful for our players, our fans. Our fans were amazing,” Mingione said.
“In that ninth inning, when Ryan (Nicholson) hit that home run I could barely hear myself even think.”
It was the same in the 10th inning when Mitchell Daly drilled the game-winning home run.
“I mean, Kentucky, I mean BBN, just the energy they brought today. I mean, I think everybody in the stadium was doing Waldy’s walk-up song thing. It’s really cool. The energy around this place is special. To give the fans endings like that, it’s pretty awesome,” Daly said.
7 Responses
Cardiac Kids
I grew up loving both playing and watching baseball. But, for too many years, I have not watched baseball at any level, until now.
I started tracking this team during the SEC Tournament, and I have watched all or part of each game from Omaha this weekend.
I am impressed by the quality of the baseball I have seen from all of these teams.
I have become a fan of UK baseball probably for the first time.
I have always loved baseball. From wiffle ball in the back yard to getting stuck in right field when being a fill in basically and batting 9th with the older neighborhood boys. Really just appreciating the acceptance. Raised a Cardinal fan in central Kentucky was not easy to tackle in the 70’s. Too many big Red fans to combat! Still a cards fan thanks to Grandpa Frank!
I have always loved baseball. From wiffle ball in the back yard to getting stuck in right field when being a fill in basically and batting 9th with the older neighborhood boys. Really just appreciating the acceptance. Raised a Cardinal fan in central Kentucky was not easy to tackle in the 70’s. Too many big Red fans to combat! Still a cards fan thanks to Grandpa Frank!
I have never been much of a Baseball fan. Some Cincy Reds when I was a kid. Started following this team mid season and locked in when the SEC Tournament started. Love this group. They seem to get clutch hits all throughout the batting order. Great base running & great attitude. Wonderful head coach. Good luck tonight!!
That decision to take home and Pete Rose slide is now one of my top Baseball play’s that I can remember!!
mine too