LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two former Cats will now call themselves Legends. On Monday, the Lexington Legends announced they have agreed to terms with two former University of Kentucky Wildcats: Dustin Beggs and Tim Peterson.
What You Need To Know
- Lexington Legends have agreed to terms with two former Wildcats: Dustin Beggs and Tim Peterson
- Peterson returning to Lexington from stint with the New York Mets, Beggs from the Miami Marlins
- Opening Day for the Legends is June 1
Peterson is returning to Lexington after eight seasons with the New York Mets, with whom he made his MLB debut in 2018. After boasting a 2.45 ERA for UK, Peterson was drafted in the 20th round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Mets before going on to pitch in 28 games for the team during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. During the 2019 season, Peterson split time between the major league club in Queens and the Triple-A Syracuse Mets. Before reaching the MLB, Peterson pitched in the Arizona Fall League, impressing scouts and fans with a 0.87 ERA. Peterson earned a 19-14 record and a 3.20 ERA over his eight professional seasons. He tossed 357 innings, striking out 414 batters while only walking 91.
Beggs hails from a little further south after four seasons with the Miami Marlins. He was originally drafted by the Marlins during the 2016 MLB Draft and spent time at all six levels of the Marlins organization, reaching Triple-A New Orleans in 2019. Beggs went 16-6 with a 3.32 ERA facing SEC hitters during his two seasons with UK. In 2016, Beggs was the Tony Gwynn Classic's Most Outstanding Pitcher. Beggs comes to the Legends after a Winter Season with the Adelaide Giants of the Australian Baseball League where he pitched to a 0.61 ERA in three starts, allowing just one earned run in 14+ innings.
“We have said since the beginning that it is our mission to sign former University of Kentucky players to our team and further their careers back in Lexington. Having Dustin and Tim join our pitching staff makes us a better baseball team and it strengthens our community focus with local guys on our roster,” said Legends President and CEO Andy Shea.
Peterson and Beggs join other former Major Leaguers, including Henry Owens, Kevin McGowan, and Robert Carson on the Legends pitching staff this season. They'll also be alongside fellow Wildcat Ben Aklinski.
The Legends' Opening Day is June 1, and tickets can be purchased online. Face coverings are required at the ballpark.