A Kentucky player who launched into a Pete Rose-esque slide during the College World Series received some praise from Rose himself for the performance.
Nolan McCarthy made an outstanding play during the Wildcats’ Super Regional game against Oregon State, catching the Beaver defense off guard after a dropped third strike. With the game deadlocked in the eighth inning, McCarthy took off from second and continued when Oregon State’s pitcher failed to protect home plate. McCarthy used a Superman-style slide to beat the catcher to the plate and score the winning run.
KPP AFTER DARK RAHHHHHHHHHH
CATS LEAD!
💻https://t.co/HR1RSLRUaB (@ESPNU)#WeAreUK x #RoadToOmaha | @NolanMcCarthy9 pic.twitter.com/107bxuwygP
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) June 10, 2024
One of Rose’s former teammates was watching the action. Doug Flynn, a Kentucky alum who won two championships with Rose while playing for the Cincinnati Reds, contacted Rose and sent him a photo of the slide. Rose responded through Flynn.
A legendary message for a legendary play🌹#WeAreUK x #MCWS pic.twitter.com/6vOOL8TLmV
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) June 13, 2024
“After you did your Pete Rose slide the other night, I texted Pete,” Flynn informed McCarthy. “He texted you back saying, ‘Tell him to keep having fun. The only way to have fun is to win. When you win, everyone’s mood improves. You cannot win every game, but you should strive to. Field, hit, and be a good baserunner. I don’t care who you are. Three out of ten, and you’re having a good day. Play some strong defense and have fun. I made 10,000 outs, so don’t worry about it.
McCarthy will never forget that moment. Rose’s coaches will presumably appreciate that he kept it G-rated.
McCarthy and the Wildcats advanced to Omaha, where they will face North Carolina State on Saturday.
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