As baseball’s opening day approaches, I write to you from inside my own, personal igloo on this rare Carolina snow day.
That’s a joke, but this year, the Clemson Tiger baseball team isn’t taking any funny business on the field. After a mediocre 2013 season, going 18-12 in the ACC, the Tigers are determined to end on a better note in 2014.
Clemson head coach, Jack Leggett, who was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame on January 3, says this year, he has one of the most experienced teams in the game. Along with many returners, the Tigers are bringing up the No. 16 recruiting class in the nation.
“I’m extremely excited about the team we have in 2014,” said Leggett. “We have a lot of experience returning from key parts of the team that should be invaluable during our always-tough ACC schedule. Our goal remains the same… to return to Omaha and compete for the National Championship.”
Like Leggett mentioned, at the core of this year’s team are several returning players, some of them among last year’s best. Clemson’s top offensive player of 2013, catcher, Garrett Boulware, will be back behind the plate this year after winning last year’s Mitchell Award as Clemson’s most valuable player. Joining him is two-time, Second-Team All-ACC second-baseman, Steve Wilkerson, and 2013 freshman All-American top outfielder, Steven Duggar.
Visiting teams coming to Clemson will notice a newly-renovated Doug Kingsmore Stadium, including a state-of-the-art drainage system and new sod and dirt among other things. Speaking of new, the Tigers will travel to two new ACC opponents, Notre Dame and Pittsburgh, during the second half of the season.
The 2014 seasons opens with a seven-game run at home, beginning with a three-game series against Eastern Michigan starting February 13th.
For a historical and future look at Clemson Baseball, check out this video from Clemson Athletics: Clemson Baseball 2014 Intro Video
