"We're gonna do our best and bring another trophy home": Nick Mingione hypes up Kentucky nation with his bold promise on way to Omaha for 2024 CWS
Nick Mingione has led Kentucky baseball's rapid rise in the last few years. Since he took over in 2017, the Wildcats have become one of the most formidable teams in NCAA baseball, enjoying one of their strongest seasons this year.
The Wildcats are taking part in the College World Series for the first time this year. Ahead of the trip to Omaha, Mingione and his team received an incredible sendoff from fans.
Mingione made a bold promise, which was to bring the biggest prize in college baseball to Kentucky for the first time, to the fans.
"On behalf of our players and our staff, we just wanted to tell you how thankful we are," Mingione said. "For you coming out today, for what you’ve done for this team all season.
"We’re gonna do our best to bring another trophy and make you proud."
Nick Mingione led Kentucky to its first regular season title in 18 years
The Wildcats' performance this season have made last season feel like a distant memory. They went from fifth in the Southeastern Conference East last year to sharing the SEC regular season title with the Tennessee Volunteers this year.
This is the first time they won the title since 2006, with Mingione also winning the SEC Coach of the Year and the Perfect Game National Coach of the Year awards this season.
Their exploits earned them the No. 2 national seed, the highest in program history. They won the Lexington Regional in convincing fashion before dominating the Oregon State Beavers in the Lexington Super Regional to book their spot in the CWS.
The Wildcats will begin their College World Series journey in Bracket 2, grouped with the NC State Wolfpack, Texas A&M Aggies and Florida Gators. Despite being debutants in the College World Series, Kentucky will be among the favorites to go all the way given its knack of consistently producing solid performances.