Nick Mingione made quick believers out of his University of Kentucky baseball players upon taking over the Wildcats program last June.
He then spent his first season convincing the Southeastern Conference it was time to buy in as well.
Validadation came Monday in the form of Mingione being voted the SEC’s 2017 Coach of the Year.
Mingione, who replaced Gary Henderson after last season, led the Wildcats to a 38-18 overall record. UK finished 19-11 in the SEC, securing second place in the Eastern Division behind Florida.
Nick Mingione, left, shared a laugh with UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart during a groundbreaking ceremony in March for the Wildcats’ new baseball stadium on Alumni Drive.