During the College World Series, Kentucky player Nolan McCarthy executed a slide reminiscent of Pete Rose, catching the attention of the legendary baseball player. McCarthy’s heads-up play came in the Wildcats’ Super Regional game against Oregon State. After a dropped third strike, he sprinted from second base and continued home when Oregon State’s pitcher failed to cover the plate, scoring the winning run with a dramatic Superman-style slide.
Doug Flynn, a Kentucky alum and former teammate of Rose on the Cincinnati Reds, noticed the play and shared a picture of it with Rose. Flynn then relayed Rose’s response to McCarthy.
Flynn told McCarthy, “After your Pete Rose slide, I texted Pete. He replied: ‘Tell him to keep having fun. Winning is the key to fun because everyone’s happier when you win. You can’t win every game but strive to. Be a good baserunner, field well, and hit well. Three-for-10 is a good day. Play good defense and enjoy yourself. I made 10,000 outs, so don’t stress about it.’”
This memorable message from Rose will likely stay with McCarthy. His coaches will also appreciate Rose’s positive and clean message.
McCarthy and the Wildcats advanced to Omaha, where they will face NC State on Saturday.
