There is never a dull moment in the Kentucky dugout, largely due to right-handed pitcher Ryan Hagenow. During a distraction-filled interview with the SEC Network on Friday, Hagenow pulled back the curtain on his role as the Wildcats’ captain in the dugout.
“Last year at Southern Illinois, Coach Mingione decided we needed a dugout captain, somebody to hold everybody accountable and to make sure we’re all having fun,” Hagenow recalled. “Devin Burkes recommended me. And since that day, I’ve kind of taken that role and enjoyed it.”
The Wildcats don’t limit their entertaining style to the field. Kentucky’s dugout is a treasure trove of odd trinkets, from puppets to stuffed animals. Not to mention, it’s the best place for a player with an empty stomach.
During Hagenow’s in-game interview from the dugout, his teammates hand-served him an assortment of goodies, including fruit smoothies, Rice Krispie Treats and good old-fashioned ham sandwiches. Of course, Hagenow’s role isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Occasionally, Hagenow has to enforce the dugout’s rules. Kentucky head coach Nick Mingione gave the 6-foot-5 senior the power to kick his teammates out of the dugout along with the exclusive title.
On his first day as the dugout captain, Hagenow exiled redshirt freshman Drew Lafferty, directing him to sit with the fans for the rest of the game. While Hagenow finds his fair share of laughs in the role, he also considers it a genuine honor.
“It meant a lot, just being able to be that guy that teammates can look to,” Hagenow said. “We need to loosen up and have some fun. And at the end of the day, we’re pretty lucky as a bunch of college kids who can play a sport in front of all these people. So, it’s not as serious as everybody makes it.”
Ryan Hagenow looks to keep Kentucky winning
When Hagenow isn’t maintaining order in Kentucky’s dugout, he’s giving opposing batters headaches. Hagenow has made 11 appearances on the mound this season, tallying 16.1 innings pitched. He boasts 13 strikeouts and a 2.20 ERA while holding opponents to a .197 batting average.
Hagenow pitched two innings in Kentucky’s 9-6 triumph over Arkansas on Wednesday in the SEC Tournament. He allowed two hits and one run during his time on the mound. Whether it’s throwing heat or leading chants, Hagenow is willing to do whatever it takes to help Kentucky advance.
“The longer you can stay in Hoover, the better,” Hagenow said. “It’s such a cool environment. It’s kind of just a melting pot of all the team. We’re trying to stay here as long as possible.”
The winner between Kentucky and South Carolina will face off against LSU tomorrow at noon ET on the SEC Network. LSU previously defeated both teams in the conference tournament.
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