Zeke Lewis returning to Kentucky for 2021 season

Kentucky Wildcats senior infielder Zeke Lewis will return for the 2021 college baseball season, he announced Thursday.

Lewis is able to return for one more season thanks to the NCAA giving an extra year of eligibility to athletes playing spring sports, as their 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I can’t express how grateful I am to have worn Kentucky across my chest during my collegiate career,” Lewis said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to call home and develop as a student, person and player.

“With that being said, I’m excited to say I’ll be returning to UK for my final year of eligibility. I can’t wait to get back to campus with my brothers and accomplish something that’s never been done before. Go Cats!”

Prior to the season being canceled, Lewis was arguably Kentucky’s best overall player. The 5-9, 165-pound redshirt senior was batting .378 in 14 games with nine runs scored, seven RBI and five stolen bases. He finished the campaign with hits in 12 of his final 21 at-bats, including a career-high seven-game hitting streak.

For his career, Lewis has appeared in 115 games, including 43 starts. He has scored 47 runs, driven in 21 RBI, recorded six doubles and two homers while going 17/20 in stolen base attempts. A switch-hitter who was primarily a second baseman, Lewis also could play outfield, shortstop and third base.

In addition, Lewis graduated in May from the College of Fine Arts with a degree in Arts Administration. He is an accomplished musician whose work even has the attention of opponents. Former Missouri star Trey Harris used one of Lewis’ songs as his walk-up music. The SEC Network also featured some of Lewis’ work during a 2018 broadcast.

Lewis is the first UK senior to announce his intention to return to the program for a final season. Fellow seniors T.J. Collett, Elliott Curtis and Jaren Shelby continue to work through their decisions.