Kentucky has appointed Wright State Associate Head Coach and Hitting Coach Chase Slone as an assistant coach. Slone played a crucial role in the Raiders breaking four school records this past season.
Slone will now aim to enhance Kentucky’s offensive versatility, which has consistently led or ranked near the top of the Southeastern Conference in major statistical categories.
“Chase is a perfect fit for Kentucky Baseball,” UK coach Nick Mingione said. “He’s extremely intelligent, innovative, and has played a pivotal role in one of the nation’s most effective and opportunistic offensive attacks. We are thrilled to welcome him to the UK baseball family and the Big Blue Nation.”
Slone’s Impact at Wright State:
- Offensive Success: Wright State ranked 10th in Division I in scoring in 2024, averaging nine runs per game. The team also ranked eighth in slugging percentage and home runs per game, 16th in batting average, and 17th in total runs scored.
- Record-Breaking Performance: The Raiders set school records for home runs (112), RBI (473), and runs scored (505). Ben Vore set a single-season record for RBI with 75.
- Statistical Achievements: In 223 games under Slone’s guidance, Wright State’s offense batted .300 overall, hit 349 home runs, scored 8.5 runs per game, and stole 357 bases.
- Championships and Honors: Wright State won four Horizon League regular season titles, three Horizon League Tournament crowns, and participated in three NCAA Regionals. Two of Slone’s proteges were named Horizon League Player of the Year.
- National Rankings: Over the past three seasons, Wright State ranks 11th in Division I in combined home runs and stolen bases, 17th in doubles, 21st in runs scored, 23rd in stolen bases, and 24th in triples.
- MLB Draft Picks: Wright State produced six MLB draft picks in three years with Slone on staff, including Tyler Black, who made his big league debut this spring.
- Individual Accolades: Andrew Patrick broke the Wright State single-season home run record in 2023, and shortstop Justin Riemer was drafted in the fourth round. In 2022, the Raiders set a school record for home runs, and Alec Sayre won Horizon League Player of the Year. In 2021, Quincy Hamilton was named Horizon Player of the Year, and four position players were either drafted or signed free agent contracts.
Slone’s Playing and Coaching Journey:
- Playing Career: Slone began his collegiate playing career at Southern Illinois, transferred to Dyersburg State Community College where he hit over .400, and completed his final two seasons at Wright State. He was a First-Team Horizon League shortstop his first season and Second Team his final season.
- Professional and Coaching Career: Slone played a year of professional baseball before transitioning to coaching.
Chase Slone’s appointment is expected to bring a new level of offensive prowess to Kentucky baseball, building on his impressive track record at Wright State.
