For the first time at Kentucky, Nick Mingione has a new boss

Mitch Barnhart's retirement in June after 24 years in Lexington ended the longest tenure of any athletic director in the Power 4 conferences. Nick Mingione, who was hired in June 2016, was the third and final baseball coach Barnhart hired.

But now in place is athletics director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC J Batt. Batt, known as a prolific fundraiser, previously served as AD at Georgia Tech and Michigan State.

"One thing I'll say about J is I've really enjoyed our times together," Mingione told Bat Cats Central. "I've appreciated his communication, his style of communication and how much he cares. I think he's realized he's come into a really good situation. Mitch Barnhart has hired some really good people. I'll say this: he's hit the ground running. He's off and going. Not surprised one bit, just from following his track record and where he's been and how he's worked. I've absolutely loved my interactions with him so far."

Mingione was one of Barnhart's most vocal supporters of any coach in the athletic department.