Wisconsin Infielder Ethan Hindle Aims for Bigger Role

Junior infielder looks to build on strong start to season after injury-shortened sophomore year.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Junior infielder Ethan Hindle of Wisconsin played in just 25 games with 22 starts last season before suffering a foot injury that ended his sophomore season. However, Hindle is off to a hot start this year, hitting .455 with nine runs scored and five RBIs through Kentucky's first four games. Hindle believes this year's Kentucky team has a special "looseness and grit" that will help them overcome the loss of preseason All-American shortstop Tyler Bell, who is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.

Why it matters

Hindle's strong start and versatility will be crucial for Kentucky as they look to overcome the absence of one of their top players. His ability to adapt to different positions and provide a spark at the plate could be a key factor in the Wildcats' success this season.

The details

Hindle knocked in 15 runs, scored 18 runs, walked 13 times and got hit by a pitch 19 times last season before his injury. This year, he's focused on being more consistent at the plate and learning from watching preseason All-American Tyler Bell, who he has shifted to second base to cover for after Bell's injury.

  • Hindle played in just 25 games with 22 starts last season before suffering a season-ending foot injury.
  • Kentucky plays at Evansville this afternoon at 4 and then has a doubleheader on Saturday.

The players

Ethan Hindle

A junior infielder for the University of Wisconsin baseball team who is off to a hot start this season after an injury-shortened sophomore campaign.

Nick Mingione

The head coach of the Kentucky baseball team, who wants Hindle to focus on "hitting my pitch" and being more consistent at the plate.

Tyler Bell

Kentucky's preseason All-American shortstop who is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury suffered diving for a ball in the team's first game.

Luke Lawrence

Kentucky player who has shifted from second base to shortstop to cover for Tyler Bell's absence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The looseness and the grit that we'll play with. We're a very close team, but we're all very similar in that we have a lot of guys who are very tough, very talented, and they love baseball. Guys like having fun together but also playing super hard.”

— Ethan Hindle, Junior Infielder (yoursportsedge.com)

“He's a guy that while he's working hard, he's not just there for himself. He's a very selfless guy. He's always texting other guys trying to bring them along and help them get better, too. There's no doubt in my mind that other guys are better just because of his work ethic and the example that he has shown. He's so humble. He's all about us, all about the team.”

— Ethan Hindle, Junior Infielder (yoursportsedge.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Ethan Hindle's strong start and versatility will be crucial for Kentucky as they look to overcome the absence of preseason All-American Tyler Bell. Hindle's ability to adapt to different positions and provide a spark at the plate could be a key factor in the Wildcats' success this season.