Playing In The SEC Has Been A Dream For Omidi

Robert Omidi SS / 3B / St. Martin, ON / 2026

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - The Southeastern Conference goal has been accomplished by Robert Omidi with a commitment to the University of Kentucky.

“The chance to be in the SEC is huge,” the top-rated junior in Ontario explained. “That has been my dream ever since I knew I wanted to play college baseball. It’s going to be amazing being a part of the SEC.”

Kentucky’s initial interest in Omidi, who is taking an online curriculum with TVO ILC in Ontario, came at the Future Games in 2023.

“They kept tabs on me after that and spoke with Jimmy Richardson at the Fieldhouse,” Omidi said. “They came and watched me during summer tournaments and then came and watched me at the next Future Games. After that they called me on Aug. 1 and asked me to come on a visit.

“I went on a visit in September and really loved the atmosphere and the SEC culture,” Omidi continued. “I love the football field and I love the baseball field. It’s a perfect fit for me. Head coach (Nick) Mingione made it really inviting for me. He has a good attitude. I had good talks on the phone with Austin Cousino, the recruiting coordinator, and I got along well with the hitting coach, Chase Slone.”

The feeling was mutual when it came to Omidi and his abilities on the ballfield.

“They love my approach to the game and the type of player I am,” the 16-year-old noted. “I’m a player who’s humble and confident. And I’m a generational hitter.”

While Kentucky proved to be the right choice for the 39th-ranked 2026 shortstop in North America, there were a lot of options out there.

“I had a whole bunch of calls on Aug. 1,” related Omidi, who was also considering the likes of Oregon State, Missouri and Duke. “I didn’t expect to get that many. There were more than 30 texts and calls.”

Much of it is credited to being part of two Future Games playing for Team Canada.

“That was a place they could watch me playing with some great players,” the 6-1 185-pound left-handed hitter said. “That proved I could play at the next level. It was just a well-organized event.”

It was just prior to playing in the Prep Baseball event at LakePoint that the 141st-rated junior in the United States and Canada began believing playing college baseball was in his future.

“I started thinking about it a couple of years ago, before the first Future Games,” Omidi said. “The first Future Games was when I saw I could play Division I baseball. After that, college baseball became realistic and I knew I wanted to play SEC baseball.”

That is now a reality.

“It really means a lot,” Omidi explained about the opportunity to be part of an SEC program. “It’s the best in baseball. Being on Kentucky and being surrounded by the best players in college baseball is going to be great.”

An improved game is a big reason Omidi will get the chance to play at the university located nine hours from home.

“I feel I’m a good overall player who plays with confidence,” Omidi explained. “I love to be aggressive at the plate. I’ve improved my game a lot, becoming more consistent. I go to the Fieldhouse every single day, going to the weight room, fielding and hitting.”

Omidi, who pointed to hitting coach Lee Delfino with playing a big part in his development, is confident about making an impact at Kentucky.

“I’ll bring them an all-around player who will be a leader one day,” Omidi noted. “I’ll be a good teammate.”

Sport science and business are being considered as possible majors by the 4.0 student, who is looking forward to his days ahead as a student-athlete at the university located in Lexington.

“I’m excited to step into the baseball community at Kentucky, play in the SEC and become a student there,” Omidi concluded. “Academics is very important to me.”