T.J. Collett returning to Kentucky for 2021 season

Kentucky Wildcats senior first baseman T.J. Collett will return for the 2021 college baseball season, the school announced Tuesday.

Collett is utilizing the NCAA’s ruling on eligibility relief for spring sports athletes whose seasons were cut short due to the coronavirus. He joins fellow senior Zeke Lewis in returning to Lexington for a final season.

“Four years ago, BBN welcomed me with open arms,” Collett said in a press release. “During my time in Lexington, the University of Kentucky has given me every opportunity and resource to become the best version of myself, both on and off the field. Wearing the Blue and White has been an absolute honor and incredibly fun. That’s why I’ll be wearing it for one final ride.

“I can’t wait to give everything I have to my teammates, coaches and fans. I’m blessed Mr. Barnhart and Coach Mingione are giving me the opportunity to go out on my own terms. See you in the fall, BBN!”

This past season, Collett registered five homers in just 69 at-bats and now has 26 for his career. He recorded his 100th career hit this season and finished the 2020 season batting .290 with 10 extra-base hits, 17 RBI and a .931 OPS.

A two-time National and SEC Player of the Week, Collett has batted .269 with 44 extra-base hits, 97 RBI and a .519 slugging percentage in 118 career games.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Collett was named UK’s Mr. Wildcat and inducted into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character for his work in the community. He is a 2020 SEC Brad Davis Community Service Award recipient and a two-time member of the SEC Community Service Team.

Collett is involved with the NEGU/Jessie Rees Foundation, whose mission is connecting with families of young cancer patients, bringing awareness to their stories, offering them a network of helpful resources, and sending the entire family encouragement throughout their journey.

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