Sept. 27, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky baseball hitting pavilion, located down the rightfield line at Cliff Hagan Stadium recently received a facelift with some interior modifications designed to enhance the practice facility.
Several interior modifications have been done, including new turf, nine new decorative banners, new benches and a video analysis station. New turf was also added outside the barn in the bunting-drill area outside the sports video control room. The pavilion also contains two full length hitting cages and a complete bullpen area.
“We have had the opportunity to do some upgrades over the last two years to some of our practice and team facilities,” UK head coach Gary Henderson said. “Last year, the ability to renovate our locker room and team lounge was a great addition and this year upgrading our hitting pavilion will continue to provide our student-athletes a top-notch facility.”
The nine new banners include a four-year look at the UK quality at bat champion, with reigning champion, UK senior outfielder and on-base machine Zac Zellers, honored for his 2012 season performances. The banners were created and hung by UK athletics graphic design technician Mary Anderson-Rydz.
The Wildcats are coming off the best season in the over-100 year history of the program, claiming 45 wins and finishing a win shy of claiming the Southeastern Conference title. On Tuesday, UK’s 2013 newcomer group was rated as the 11th-best recruiting class in college baseball and the fifth in the SEC. UK returns a team in 2013 that led the NCAA in players in the Cape Cod League or with the USA National Team and ranked second in college baseball with nine players picked in the 2012 MLB Draft.
