Photo by Perfect Game
The 2018 Kentucky Baseball team has been taking the field every weekend for fall ball action. Nick Mingione and staff have to replace several key pieces from last season’s club, but they’re also assembling future Wildcat teams.
Last Wednesday the Wildcats picked up a commitment for the 2018 class. Kennedy Norton, a 6-1, right-handed pitcher, announced via Twitter that he would be furthering his baseball and academic career at the University of Kentucky.
A native of Georgia, Norton was committed to Georgia Tech earlier this summer but decided that Kentucky was the place for him. Things moved quickly for Norton after committing last week, as he was on campus for Kentucky’s game vs. Florida on Saturday. If Twitter is any indication, the UK commit seemed to enjoy the visit.
Scouting reports describe the right-hander as strong with a mid-80’s fastball. However, during a game this summer, Norton struck out six over four innings, with his fastball topping out at 92 mph.
The pitching staff will be strong for the Wildcats in 2018 and they will have to replace senior Justin Lewis and most likely right-hander Sean Hjelle. Hjelle will be one of the top pitching prospects in the country, so it is important to bring in talented arms.
Welcome to the family, Kennedy
