Luke Hill locked in to lead the Rebels through the offseason and into 2025
OXFORD | Luke Hill has described Andrew Fischer as his best friend since the two arrived on the Ole Miss campus a year ago.
He expected them to take part in turning around the Rebels in 2025, but instead the rising junior and past Arizona State transfer learned in the past few days that Fischer would no longer be his teammate.
Fischer and weekend starter Liam Doyle both entered the transfer portal, leaving the Rebels without two of their more notable players.
“Definitely shock when I found out, and everything happens so quickly,” said Hill, who played both middle infield spots for the Rebels in 2024. “You don’t know how to process what’s going on and guys entering the portal, and it’s easy to freak out, but I’ve been focused on taking a breath and letting it all play out.
“Fischer was a big part of our team, and my best friend made the decision to leave. It’s tough, but my mood is that we have to get ready to go and understand what we need to do. The guys here can make this an exciting year ahead.”
Hill, who has spent the summer going back and forth between Oxford and his hometown in Baton Rouge, is one of the returners focused on chemistry and supplying the culture for the freshmen and transfers when they arrive.
He was a transfer just one year ago, and Hill said he’s constantly communicating with first baseman Will Furniss and other teammates to unify and lead.
Hill admits he tried to do too much when he arrived and struggled with the transition, as far as calming down and just playing baseball. Current players can help newcomers with that mental hurdle.
“I learned from last season that guys need to show up ready to go and want to be here and that’s not a shot at anyone at all; I don’t mean it like that,” Hill said. “There’s room to improve for me, and even though I’m so excited to be here, could I want to be here more and be even more present for the younger guys and present for all the guys? Of course.”
Hill pointed out Kentucky as a team that obsessed over attention to detail, something that he believes can elevate the Rebels in his second year. The Wildcats were one of the more experienced, aggressive and fundamentally sound teams in the country – parlaying that into a College World Series appearance.
He’s ready for his own do-over. Hill started the season as the shortstop and leadoff batter, but an early slump and admitted pressing bogged things down. He recovered offensively, but a lot of that was lost in the Rebels scuffling for their season.
Hill was hitting only .125 on March 3 and didn’t break .200 for good until the middle of that month. He finished at .291 which was second on the team. His .321 average in SEC games was tops by any Rebel who started at least a third of the league games. His .414 SEC on-base percentage was 44 points higher than any other Ole Miss regular.
He also cut his conference strikeout rate by more than half compared to the Pac 12 games in 2023.
“I’ll take blame for that start last season,” Hill said. “I tried to be someone I’m not and hit a home run every at-bat, and I got away from the game. I play calm and loose when I play well, and it was a learning aspect for me. I didn’t handle everything great, and it’s made me excited for next year.”
Hill is calling portal targets and incoming players and emphasizing that the program and the school and the town are what they hear about during recruiting pitches. He said the comfort of knowing what to expect for incoming players should help in the transition.
“I’ve been on the phone more now than when I was in the portal last year,” Hill said. “Getting people on board. We have a shot to do this thing. The portal is still open. The draft and decisions are still to be made. Lead by example and be team first and transfers see that and take that to heart.”
Hill played 36 games at shortstop and 18 at second base last season and doesn’t care where he’s at on the field. He said if he’s the shortstop again he will dye his hair blonde and leave it, admitting he regrets switching back to his original color and abandoning the Ole Miss tradition.
With the roster taking shape in all directions, he’s focused on buy in and leadership. Whatever comes, Hill is trying to do his part.
“I think back to the Mississippi State series and Furniss walking it off,” Hill said. “The fans and town were bumping, and they deserve that. I just appreciate the support and how people care. I’m trying to do all I can, and I know this can be successful.”