Devin Burkes on Bragan Collegiate Slugger Award Watch List

Kentucky redshirt junior catcher Devin Burkes was named to the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award (BBNCSA) presented by SR Bats watch list for the 2024 college baseball season, it was announced Thursday.

BBNCSA is based on performance at the plate, academics, and personal integrity. This year’s BBNCSA Watch List consists of 52 student-athletes representing a record 21 conferences across the country. The list includes 16 Sophomores, 20 Juniors, 12 Seniors and 4 players who have already earned their undergraduate degrees.

Burkes, from Bradenton, Florida, had a breakout sophomore season to lead the Wildcats to a second Super Regional appearance in program history. He batted .291 with a .925 OPS in starting all 61 games, scored 55 runs, had 65 hits and drove in 53. He led the team with 18 doubles and was second with nine home runs, was hit by 15 pitches, walked 38 times and stole nine bases in 12 attempts.

The emotional epicenter of the team, Burkes had 19 multi-hit and 12 multi-RBI games and finished the season reaching safely in final 15 games. He also had an 11-game hit streak where he had multiple hits seven times, smoked what proved to be the game-winning home run in NCAA opener vs. Ball State and was Co-National Player of the Week after hitting seven doubles in one weekend.

Considered one of the Top 10 catchers in the nation by D1Baseball.com, Burkes also has earned the nickname “Happiest Man in College Baseball” and is known by teammates to be an excellent pitch framer and defensive catcher.

Kentucky opens its season Friday, February 16 at USC Upstate.

Fans can follow news about the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award presented by SR Bats and its Player of the Week honorees during the season at www.braganslugger.com.