Henderson teaches same Cats new tricks

When former UK baseball coach John Cohen resigned in June to go to Starkville, Miss., and take over the head coaching reins at his alma mater, Mississippi State, the Cats had one man in mind to take over: Gary Henderson.

For the last five years, Henderson was the Cats’ main recruiter and pitching coach, a key component of UK’s recent success. That prior experience has helped Henderson easily transition to head coach.

“Nothing’s really changed at all,” senior left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin said. “Our head coach last year pretty much was Coach Henderson, as a pitcher, because that’s all we dealt with. We didn’t really deal with Coach Cohen, but now we’re just ready to get stuff on the road.”

It was Henderson and assistant coach Brad Bohannon that brought in the No. 4 recruiting class in the country this year, according to Baseball America. The two coaches are among the main reasons those key recruits stayed with the program.

One of the biggest of those freshmen, figuratively and physically, is 6-foot-8 right-handed pitchFor the last five years, Henderson was the Cats’ main recruiter and pitching coach, a key component of UK’s recent success. That prior experience has helped Henderson easily transition to head coach.

“Nothing’s really changed at all,” senior left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin said. “Our head coach last year pretty much was Coach Henderson, as a pitcher, because that’s all we dealt with. We didn’t really deal with Coach Cohen, but now we’re just ready to get stuff on the road.”

It was Henderson and assistant coach Brad Bohannon that brought in the No. 4 recruiting class in the country this year, according to Baseball America. The two coaches are among the main reasons those key recruits stayed with the program.

One of the biggest of those freshmen, figuratively and physically, is 6-foot-8 right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer. Meyer was rated the No. 5 high school prospect before the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft, according to Baseball America. Though the Boston Red Sox drafted Meyer, he decided to pass on the opportunity and instead play under Henderson.

“There have been several freshmen that are playing well and we are really pleased about it,” Henderson said. “Some have been expected, and others have been a surprise. Alex Meyer will certainly have a role on the pitching staff. There is no question about that.”

One of Henderson’s main challenges this year will be offensive production. With 38 of the Cats’ 83 home runs last year gone because of All-Americans Sawyer Carroll and Colin Cowgill graduating, the Cats will need to find other options to put runs on the board.

Henderson made it clear that while he is a fan of the three-run home run, UK’s approach will have to alter. Henderson said the Cats would play more of a small ball-type game, rather than relying on multiple home runs per contest.

“We are going to have to approach things differently, there’s no question,” Henderson said. “It’s not out of desire or to prove a point, but that is what our personnel are and that is how we will go about it.”

With five years in the UK dugout under his belt, Henderson already has a feel for his players. Having the players, both new and old, familiar with their new head coach has allowed the Cats to get straight to business during their pre-season workouts.

“Knowing the kids that were on the club, in the program and had been there has been great,” Henderson said. “There is no pretending here — everyone knows who everyone is and how they respond and react and it really cuts that acclimation process and the learning curve is easier.”

The Cats will open play Friday in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Cats play Troy on Friday before a doubleheader against James Madison and Coastal Carolina on Saturday. The weekend will conclude with another match against Coastal Carolina on Sunday.

“It will be one of the few tournaments in the country that will have four regional teams competing in that first weekend,” Henderson said. “That will be a solid challenge for us and we’re looking forward to it.

Related stories:
New coach, but it’s the same old ball game

Columnist Jon Hale breaks down the SEC

Cohen’s legacy lives on

Recruiting leaving UK with high hopes

Rusin a success on the mound