BREAKING: Kentucky Announces Another Top Star Departure

Nick Ammirati leaves Kentucky for Georgia; Nolan McCarthy enters transfer portal

Just weeks after the Kentucky Wildcats’ historic baseball season, which culminated in their first-ever College World Series appearance, assistant coach Nick Ammirati is departing to join the Georgia Bulldogs, as announced by the school on Tuesday.

Ammirati, who joined Kentucky in 2021 from Southern Mississippi, saw his contract expire at midnight. Rather than renegotiating, he opted to move to Georgia, where he will reunite with former Wildcat coach Will Coggin, an assistant under Nick Mingione from 2020-2023.

Ammirati’s departure is a blow to Kentucky, as he played a key role in recruiting many players, both incoming freshmen and transfers. However, the program is in a stronger position now, making the task of finding a replacement less daunting.

More than two years ago, Mingione shifted Ammirati from third base coaching to the dugout to work more closely with the players, a move that Mingione credits as pivotal in the program’s turnaround.

Following Ammirati’s departure, standout outfielder Nolan McCarthy has entered the transfer portal, according to Derek Terry. McCarthy, Kentucky’s full-time starting centerfielder last season, batted .288 with eight home runs and 41 RBI and was set to be a redshirt senior for the 2025 season.

McCarthy is etched in Kentucky history for his crucial play against Oregon State that secured the Bat Cats’ spot in the College World Series. In Game 2 of the Lexington Super Regional, McCarthy scored from second base on a dropped third strike, giving the Cats a decisive 3-2 lead.