Hard Working Tyler Bell Ready to Lead Cats

Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell exemplifies the value of hard work, according to his coach.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell, a preseason All-American, is known for his tireless work ethic, arriving at the baseball facility as early as 6 a.m. to hit on his own. UK head coach Nick Mingione praises Bell's dedication and says it has made him a better player and teammate. Bell, who was a second-round draft pick out of high school, credits his strong work habits for his success and confidence.

Why it matters

Bell's work ethic and drive to improve are seen as key factors in Kentucky's hopes to make a fourth straight NCAA Baseball Regional appearance this season. The Wildcats are ranked as high as 18th in the preseason national polls.

The details

Bell, a shortstop, is known for arriving at the baseball facility as early as 6 a.m. to hit on his own, with UK head coach Nick Mingione saying there are times Bell will text a staff member to turn the field lights on so he can get extra work in. Mingione calls Bell "a machine" when it comes to his work habits. Bell says he developed this strong work ethic in high school, when he wasn't the biggest or strongest player, but baseball was his dream, so he knew he had to outwork others to succeed.

  • Bell was a second-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Rays out of high school.

The players

Tyler Bell

A preseason All-American shortstop for the Kentucky Wildcats baseball team, known for his tireless work ethic and dedication to improving his game.

Nick Mingione

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats baseball team, who praises Bell's work habits and says they have made him a better player and teammate.

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What they’re saying

“You probably should have shown up at 5:45 this morning because he was here at 6 o'clock this morning hitting on his own.”

— Nick Mingione, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats Baseball

“There are times where he'll text one of our staff members to turn the field lights on at 6 o'clock in the morning because he wants to work. The guy is just a machine, the way he works.”

— Nick Mingione, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats Baseball

“He just continues to get better. He continues to become a better teammate every day. He's just an absolute, as the players would say, dog.”

— Nick Mingione, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats Baseball

“I kind of learned that back in high school, or maybe a little before that. I was always not the biggest, not the strongest and baseball has always been my dream, what I've always wanted to do with my life. I think my confidence comes from my hard work and my preparation. Just continuing to grind on that every single day, and that's why I am who I am.”

— Tyler Bell

What’s next

Kentucky finished 31-26 last season, falling to West Virginia in the finals of the Clemson Regional. This season, UK is ranked as high as 18th in the preseason national polls, and the Wildcats are hoping to make a school-record fourth consecutive NCAA Baseball Regional appearance.

The takeaway

Tyler Bell's tireless work ethic and dedication to improving his game serve as an inspiration for his teammates and the Kentucky baseball program. His commitment to being the best player he can be, despite not being the biggest or strongest, is a testament to the power of hard work and preparation in achieving one's dreams.