LEXINGTON, Ky. Jul 17, 2024- Many Kentucky fans became entranced by the performance of the 2023-2024 UK Baseball team with their outstanding run, including the first College World Series appearance in program history. This historic team also recorded the most wins in a season (46), surpassing the previous record of 45 in 2012. “A 46-16 record, a Regional championship, a Super Regional championship and an appearance in the College World Series make this Kentucky baseball team one that will be remembered for eternity” (UK Athletics).  

Despite a tough loss in the College World Series to Florida, the team continued to make history as the MLB Draft approached.  

Ryan Waldschmidt, a finance major, was selected in the first round as the 31st overall pick to the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming the program’s seventh first-round pick. 

Emilien Pitre, a management major, was selected in the second round as the 58th overall pick to the Tampa Bay Rays.  

This marks the first season in program history in which two wildcats were selected in the top 60 in the same draft. 

Both Waldschmidt and Pitre proved themselves on and off the diamond this season. Both players earned All-Region honors by being named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings Midwest All-Region team. Waldschmidt was also named Third Team All-American by Baseball America. Pitre also earned several other honors, including Third-Team All American (ABCA/Rawlings), Southeastern Conference All-Defensive Team honors, Third Team All-American (D1Baseball.com), and Third Team Academic All-America honors (College Sports Communicators).

*All photos from Chet White, UK Athletics Photography