Despite maintaining a high standard of excellence all season, Kentucky Baseball has flown under the radar as the Wildcats make a first-ever trip to the College World Series. Like the American public, Kentucky Baseball has fought hard to have a chance at competing at the highest level.

Every year, there’s talk of who fans should root for in Omaha. Sometimes, it’s the mid-major like Oral Roberts or a traditional powerhouse fighting for their first National Championship. But this year, the Kentucky Wildcats, a baseball program that has embarked on a unique journey, making its first appearance in Omaha. Despite the success and winning the SEC Championship, Kentucky has remained the same as Kentucky, which started this journey in February.

Many teams will have success and let pride get in the way of the program’s identity. Yet, for Kentucky, the success has only made them more humble and hungry for success in Omaha, a testament to their character and dedication that can inspire the audience.

On Thursday, Coach Mingione’s powerful statement in the 2024 College World Series opening press conference resonates: ” If Omaha is looking for a team to root for and get behind, Kentucky is that team. There’s plenty of room on the bandwagon for more.” Making the case for Kentucky to become America’s team as the week rolls on in Omaha.

Not to mention, Kentucky has a chance at doing so, which is next to impossible, dating back to the first few College World Series, winning a National Championship by reaching the College World Series for the first time. All Kentucky has to do is win the first two games, and the Wildcats will be playing in the College World Series Final Four, needing one win out of two to reach the College World Series Finals Series. There are blue-blooded programs that took several years to reach Omaha to finally cross the threshold of winning a National Championship. Recently, Mississippi State and Ole Miss finally got over the hump, securing National Championships.

On top of being a lovable baseball team, Kentucky plays an exciting brand of baseball that keeps the Wildcats in every baseball game they play. Kentucky does a lot of bunting, gets timely hitting from 1-9 in the lineup, and has a stellar pitching staff that gives Kentucky an extra shot in the arm when needed. Kentucky has guys that can rake it out of the park; then they have others that get on base by drawing walks, taking pitches, and doing what’s best for the Wildcats to win.

On their side of the College World Series bracket, Kentucky will have two programs that have been to the College World Series but left without Championships. Texas A&M and NC State have both been close, but no cigars. Unfortunately, all three teams are on the same side of the bracket, with Kentucky opening the 2024 College World Series on Saturday afternoon against the Wolfpack of NC State.

Kentucky will open the 2024 College World Series on Saturday afternoon against NC State. From there, a win over the Wolfpack would give Kentucky two days off until Tuesday; a loss would mean a quick turnaround on Monday against either Florida or Texas A&M.