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Pete Rose sent awesome message to Kentucky player for epic slide

Posted on by angelo
Pete Rose sent awesome message to Kentucky player for epic slide

Pete Rose wearing a Reds cap

An emotional Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Pete Rose adjusts his cap as he takes the microphone during a pregame ceremony for the unveiling of the bronze statue of Pete Rose installed at the exterior of the stadium before the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Pete Rose

A Kentucky player who went for a Pete Rose-style slide during the College World Series earned some recognition from Rose himself across the room.

Nolan McCarthy had a great play in the Wildcats’ Super Regional game against Oregon State, catching the Beavers defense sleeping after a dropped third down. With the game tied in the seventh inning, McCarthy ground out from second in the game, then continued when the Oregon State pitcher didn’t bother to cover home plate. In order to beat the catcher to home plate, McCarthy went for a Superman-style slide, and he ultimately scored what turned out to be the winning run.

One of Rose’s former teammates was watching the game. Former Kentucky player Doug Flynn, who won two championships with Rose on the Cincinnati Reds, contacted Rose and sent him a photo of the slide. Through Flynn, Rose sent a response.

“After I did your Pete Rose slide the other night, I texted Pete,” Flynn told McCarthy. “He said, ‘Tell him to keep having fun. However, the only way to have fun is to win. Everyone is in a better mood when you win. You can’t win every game, but you should want to. Field, hit, be a good baserunner. Don’t worry about who you are. Three out of ten and you have a good day. Play good defense and have fun. I made 10,000 outs, so don’t worry.

It’s a moment McCarthy will certainly never forget. His coaches will probably appreciate that Rose also retained the G grade.

McCarthy and the Wildcats eventually advanced to Omaha, where they will face NC State on Saturday.