After a 44-19 2023 campaign, the Clemson baseball team has set this upcoming season to the highest standard — winning it all.
Speaking to the media last month, head coach Erik Bakich discussed his mindset during the offseason, which was led by a quote, “to go for no,” meaning to push your limits. The team has reflected on that idea.
Senior infielder Blake Wright believes the team can live up to this standard “by going places we haven’t been.”
That place would be Omaha, Nebraska, where the Tigers hope to make the College World Series. While the Tigers have never won a College World Series championship in 12 appearances, this year’s team has not only the talent to do so but the motivation as well.
This team has set the bar high, with Clemson’s standard being to win it all. The Tigers came up short last season with disappointing losses to Tennessee and Charlotte in regionals, but they only have used that loss for motivation.
During Clemson baseball’s media day, Bakich stated how his players “are very driven right now.” He added that he has high hopes for his squad after exceeding expectations in his first season as head coach in 2023.
During his nine-year tenure at Michigan, Bakich posted a 328-216 record. While he made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament, Bakich led the Wolverines in his seventh season to a College World Series runner-up finish.
He was able to exemplify pushing his team’s limits that season. He has a chance to do the same this year, just with the stakes being higher and the main goal being to win it all.
The Tigers will kick off their 2024 season on Friday when they host Xavier in Doug Kingsmore Stadium at 4 p.m