One of the most notable names to come out of Clemson baseball is Bill Wilhelm, who served as the head coach for 36 years before retiring in 1993. During his tenure, Wilhelm led the Tigers to more than 1,100 victories, 11 conference championships, and six appearances in the College World Series.
Another legendary figure associated with Clemson baseball is Ben Paulsen, who played for the Tigers from 2007 to 2009. Paulsen was a two-time All-American and the ACC Player of the Year in 2009, as well as being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the MLB Draft. He currently plays for the Hanshin Tigers in the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball league.
In addition to producing standout players, Clemson has also been home to some of the most iconic moments in college baseball history. One such moment came in 2006, when the Tigers faced the Georgia Bulldogs in the Athens Super Regional. In game two of the series, with Clemson down by three runs in the ninth inning and facing elimination, Andy D’Alessio hit a walk-off grand slam to send the Tigers to the College World Series.
The Tigers have also made a name for themselves with their unique traditions. One of the most well-known traditions is the “Clemson cadence count,” in which players and fans chant “One, two, three, four” followed by the word “Tigers!” This tradition has become a staple at Clemson baseball games and is frequently heard across the university’s campus.
Another unique aspect of Clemson baseball is the team’s school colors. While many college baseball teams wear traditional baseball uniforms, the Tigers are known for sporting bright orange jerseys and pants, complete with tiger paw logos on the sleeves and legs.
Despite the success and traditions of the program, the Tigers have faced their fair share of challenges. In recent years, the team has struggled to consistently make appearances in the NCAA tournament, coming up short in several seasons. However, head coach Monte Lee, who took over the program in 2016 following the retirement of longtime coach Jack Leggett, is working to revitalize the program and return the Tigers to their winning ways.
Under Lee’s leadership, the Tigers have already shown signs of improvement, finishing the 2018 season with a 47-16 record and reaching the NCAA regional finals. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the future looks bright for Clemson baseball.
In conclusion, the Clemson Tigers baseball program is one of the most storied and beloved in college sports. From legendary coaches and players to iconic moments and traditions, the Tigers have left an indelible mark on the game of baseball. With the leadership of Monte Lee and the continued dedication of players and fans alike, the program is poised for even greater success in the years to come.