Brotherhood in Baseball: Kevin Ginkel and Kevin Newman Reflect on UA Days

The University of Arizona baseball program continues to produce standout athletes who excel at the highest levels of the sport. Among its notable alumni are Kevin Ginkel and Kevin Newman, who are currently representing the Grand Canyon State in Major League Baseball.

Kevin Newman returned to Arizona with the D-backs after beginning his professional journey elsewhere. Thrilled by the support from Wildcat fans, Newman cherishes the community’s relentless spirit. “It’s full circle, man. It’s great,” Newman expressed, highlighting the mutual camaraderie. He has proven his worth to the team, batting .286 with a .318 on-base percentage in 66 games as of July 11.

Before joining the D-backs, Newman made significant contributions to the Arizona Wildcats from 2013 to 2015. In his best season, he achieved a .370 batting average and was honored on the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award watchlist. His time at UA served not only as a career launchpad but also as the period during which he met his wife, Shayne, and started a family. “Three of the best years of my life,” Newman reminisced, planning to revisit Tucson in the offseason.

Kevin Ginkel, the D-backs’ reliable reliever, also has roots in the UA program. Ginkel transferred to the University of Arizona in 2016, already having been drafted twice but choosing to hone his skills in college baseball. Mentored by coaches Jay Johnson and Dave Lawn, Ginkel developed the confidence and ability needed to succeed at the next level. “They think I’m capable of pitching at the next level (which) was super important,” Ginkel stated.

Although his tenure at UA was brief, Ginkel made an indelible impact. He played a crucial role in taking the Wildcats to the 2016 College World Series final. His performance against ASU, where he almost pitched a perfect game, remains memorable. Ginkel finished the season with a 2.80 ERA and was drafted by the D-backs in the 22nd round. Now, with a 2.54 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 39 appearances this season, he is an indispensable force in the D-backs’ bullpen.

Both Ginkel and Newman have profoundly influenced the D-backs, proudly carrying the legacy of UA baseball. Recognizing the bond among former Wildcats in the MLB, Ginkel remarked, “It’s a bond, it’s a brotherhood.” The duo’s ongoing success underscores the enduring excellence of the University of Arizona’s baseball program.

Despite their professional commitments, both players maintain strong connections to their alma mater. Ginkel threw out the first pitch at a UA game and hopes to enhance his engagement with the program post-retirement. Meanwhile, Newman is eager to show his children the place where his remarkable journey began. Together, they continue to uphold UA’s tradition of excellence in Major League Baseball.

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