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UK Baseball Commit Evan Byers Found the Perfect Fit at Kentucky

Photo courtesy of Evan Byers

 

Evan Byers Felt a Connection with the Coaching Staff at Kentucky

Despite growing up a UK fan, Evan Byers decision to commit to Kentucky was more about the fit. In fact, being a fan had nothing to do with the decision.

 

Byers, a 5-10, 165-pound left handed pitcher, decided that Kentucky offered the perfect fit for his academic and baseball career. He announced his commitment via his Twitter account on April 21st.

 

“Growing up in the Lexington area, I have always been a Kentucky fan but that didn’t make me choose Kentucky at all,” said Byers. “I went into the recruiting process wanting to go somewhere where I would connect with the coaches and their style of coaching.”

 

 

The Lexington Christian Academy star found everything he was searching for in Coach Belanger, the Kentucky pitching coach.

 

“One of the main things as pitcher is that I wanted to really connect with the pitching coach. Coach Belanger sat down with me and talked about what he does for his pitchers and his plan for success. I really liked his plan and liked the style of his coaching.

 

Belangers plan wasn’t the only one Byers was introduced to on his visit. Coach Nick Mingione’s student, person, player blueprint runs throughout the team and the recruiting trail. Mingione’s message to Byers is the same one every UK recruit and current players receives.

 

“He talked about the student, person, and player. In that order is the importance. Coach said if you focus on being a student then focus on being a good person, everything else would fall into place.”

 



 

Byers is coming off a strong season for LCA, where he finished with a 3-1 record. Additionally, he recorded three saves. Across 33 innings pitched, the left-hander owned an outstanding 0.63 ERA to go along with 49 strikeouts.

 

The UK commits control on the mound is the biggest reason UK fell in love with him, especially his ability to throw breaking balls for strikes. The statistics show that he only walked 16 batters last season.

 

“When Coach Belanger came to see me pitch, he really liked how I could throw my curveball for a strike and get the hitters out with my slider.”

 



 

Byers received interest from other Division I programs, but Kentucky was the choice. In addition, Xavier and Duke expressed interest in the left hander. However, neither program extended an offer due to the fact that he was young. As a result, Kentucky is getting a solid arm in the 2020 class.

 

“Coach Mingione has really turned this team around and I believe that he will continue to grow this program as a whole. I think Kentucky Baseball has a successful future ahead of them.”

 

Byers has two seasons before taking the mound at Kentucky and he’s looking forward to it. Also, he has a message for the Big Blue Nation.

 

“The fans can always expect me to compete on the mound. I have always loved to win and I will try my hardest and always compete on the mound to help us win.”

 






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