June 26, 2024

By Matt May

University of Kentucky Athletics

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky infielder Emilien Pitre has been named a Third Team All-American by D1Baseball.com.

The Canadian second baseman also previously earned Southeastern Conference All-Defensive Team honours for the second consecutive season and Third Team All-American honours from the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings.

Pitre, a junior from Repentigny, Que., starred in all facets of the game. He has been nearly flawless with just two errors in 255 chances this season, a fielding percentage of .992. He forms half the duo of one of the best defensive middle infields in the country and batted .301 with 57 runs, 20 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 58 RBIs, 47 walks and 26 stolen bases, which are the most in a season for a player in the Nick Mingione era (which has spanned eight seasons).

Mingione routinely has called Pitre perhaps the best all-around player he’s coached in his 20 years in college baseball. As the Wildcats’ No. 2 hitter he has shined in all facets of the game this season.

UK set a school record this season with 46 victories, won the SEC regular season championship and advanced to the College World Series for the first time in history.