For No. 19 Clemson, opening weekend was about more than just baseball; it was an opportunity to express continued gratitude and appreciation for those who serve our country.
Last season, Clemson head coach Erik Bakich introduced a new tradition in which Tiger players would go into the crowd during the fourth inning to personally thank the veterans in attendance for their service.
This tribute received national media recognition and created a signature moment at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, where fans and players alike could recognize the sacrifices these individuals gave to the “Land of the Free.”
With Army West Point’s visit to Clemson to start the 2026 season, the visiting program decided to join the Tigers throughout the series, partaking in the fourth inning tribute. This tradition expressed a strong sense of patriotism all weekend long, as both teams joined together for the special moment.
Originally founded in 1893 as a military institution, Clemson has always been known for its strong military ties. Bakich also has close military ties himself, as his father and grandfather were both veterans from the Vietnam War and World War II, respectively.
Clemson’s Heroes Weekend celebration kicked off with Clemson giving the Army West Point program an American flag made of baseball bats and bearing a strong message.
“To Army Baseball, as the future leaders, warriors, and protectors of our great country, it is an honor to compete against you this weekend. Thank you for making the USA the greatest country in the world. God bless, Clemson Baseball.”
The celebration of service didn’t end there, as both teams took a moment to pause in the second game of the series to deliver a powerful moment of recognition.
As the stadium watched in complete silence, both teams delivered dog tags inscribed with the names of Clemson alumni who were killed in action to a memorial wall, which was positioned near home plate. The moment served as a powerful remembrance of those who lost their lives in battle for the United States.
Each name etched on a dog tag hung on the memorial wall is also carved in stone at the Scroll of Honor Memorial Park located on Clemson’s campus, where the sacrifice these individuals gave will forever be remembered.
“Each name tells a story of courage, service, and of life given in defense of a nation,” Clemson’s PA announcer said.
The emotional tribute occurred in the middle of the fourth inning just before the two teams partook in the aforementioned tribute to veterans in the crowd.
The Clemson program also took multiple opportunities throughout the weekend to honor specific veterans in attendance, giving them a standing ovation.
“Bakich has a huge respect for those kinds of guys, and we showed it this weekend, honoring them and putting them first. I think it was really cool,” Clemson pitcher Michael Sharman said after the double header on Saturday. “We definitely respect them a whole lot.”
Clemson will continue to express patriotism and gratitude for veterans all season long and will return to Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Tuesday when it takes on Charlotte at 4 p.m.
