Archive for February, 2011
Another new Schedule Desktop Background
Posted in Uncategorized on February 22, 2011 by admin
Click on the Image and enlarge and Save for your Desktops!
Coach Wilhelm Inducted to NCAA Baseball HOF
Posted in Uncategorized on February 21, 2011 by adminClemson, SC – Bill Wilhelm, Clemson’s head baseball coach for 36 seasons from 1958-93, was one of seven members of the 2011 class inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame on Monday. The Hall of Fame in Lubbock, TX inducted its first class in 2006. Wilhelm is the first person associated with Clemson to be inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.
Wilhelm, who passed away at the age of 81 on December 24, 2010, posted a record of 1,161-536-10 in 36 years as a head coach, all at Clemson. The 1,161 wins are the most in school history in any sport. That figure is also tied for 15th-most in history among head coaches at a Division I school. He was fifth on the wins list at the time of his retirement in 1993.
In 36 seasons, he never had a losing record and led the Tigers to the College World Series six times (1958,59,76,77,80,91). He coached Clemson to 11 ACC Championships, 16 top-25 seasons, 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 19 ACC regular-season titles (including ties). Wilhelm also coached 20 All-Americans, 27 players who went on to play in the Major Leagues, 88 First-Team All-ACC selections, and 100 players who signed a pro contract.
The native of China Grove, NC led the Tigers to the College Worlds Series in each of his first two years with the program (1958,59). His 1958 team won the ACC Championship and made a miracle comeback to win the NCAA District III Playoffs in Gastonia, NC by defeating Florida twice on the same day by scores of 15-14 and 3-1.
When Wilhelm retired, he left a strong program. He took the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament each of his last seven years as head coach and his teams averaged 51 wins per year over that time. His 1991 squad still holds the Clemson record for wins (60) and the team’s 60-10 mark gave the Tigers the best winning percentage (85.7) in the nation that year. His final team, the 1993 squad, won the ACC Championship, beat 13 top-25 teams, and reached the NCAA Tournament.
Also inducted on Monday were Arizona outfielder Terry Francona (1978-80), Southern catcher Danny Goodwin (1972-75), Duke shortstop Dick Groat (1951,52), Grambling State Head Coach Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones (1926-77), Arizona State outfielder Oddibe McDowell (1983,84), and Cal State Fullerton first-baseman Tim Wallach (1978-79). The members of the 2011 Hall of Fame class will be honored during the induction ceremony on July 3 in Lubbock, TX as a part of the College Baseball Foundation’s annual celebration of the greatest players in the past and present of college baseball.
Coach Wilhelm 2011 inductee College Baseball Hall of Fame
TRIBUTE to Coach Wilhelm
Posted in Uncategorized on February 17, 2011 by admin
Tribute to Coach Bill Wilhelm – Clemson Baseball Legend A Gentle Giant
On December 24, 2010, Coach Wilhelm quietly passed from this life into the arms of Jesus. He was what baseball is all about. He loved the game. I cherish the times I had with him over the years talking baseball and getting updates on players. The twinkle in his eyes spoke volumes of how he felt about them. It was like a father talking about his son as he told of the latest endeavors of what they doing. So proud.
At his “Celebration of Life” January 8, 2011 in Jervey Gym, Coach Jack Leggett paid tribute to Coach B with this poem:
#38
Be ready up there, open your hearts, and open the gate, Because you are about to welcome our #38.
You may not always like what he is go to say, But in the end he will make it a better day.
He’ll be wearing an orange uniform with all his pride, Before it’s all over, through tough times he’ll be on your side.
You won’t always understand, sometimes he will be gruff, But the plan will be to teach you lessons and make you tough.
He’ll like a good game, but will want to win, If you earn his respect, he’ll always be there through thick and thin.
His friends, his network, his influence will spread wide, If you look closely, everything he touches will be filled with pride.
He’ll love to play golf, not always hitting the ball straight, He’ll play cards, laugh with you, maybe show up at home late.
He’ll tell you he’s a three-handicap with a smirk, a smile, and his eyes will flutter, What are they you’ll ask, he’ll say, “My driver, my irons, and my putter”.
He’ll have the best memory of anyone you will see, He won’t forget what you did, your name, or your story.
He’ll tell you about his team through a half-empty glass, But before the nine innings are over, he’ll be kicking your ***.
He might change a call, to give you a fair shake, Something that’s not his, he will never take.
So you’ll see that he’s a man of integrity and principle, He’s going to embellish stories and it will never be dull.
He will talk about Michael and Randall, his heart full of pride, His love for them he won’t be able to hide.
Then he’ll tell you about Sara Jane, his lovely wife, She’s the piece of the puzzle that completed his life.
So buckle your seatbelt up there and be ready for the storm, Because you’re about to receive a man who’s influence and touch will be greater than the norm.
Treat him with respect and your tender touch, Because this is a man we are going to miss so much.
When he arrives, he won’t want any special welcome of fuss, But please tell him none of us will forget what he’s taught us.
We’ll miss you Coach Wilhelm.
Then Coach Leggett asked that:
If Coach had had any influenced your life positively, If you have thought about something he has said to you on a daily basis, If you respect all he has done for you, Clemson baseball, and college baseball, If you have taken some lessons from your experience with Coach and passed it on to others to make this a better place, If you miss him, If you recognize the value of all he has given us, I would like to have you stand and give him a 38-second standing ovation and let him hear us and how much we appreciate what he’s left behind.
Side Note: No one was sitting, a very moving time for all that were there and Coach B will be greatly missed. From the first time I met him years ago in bringing my son to baseball camp until the last time I saw him at the hospital…he was, and will always be thought of as, a Gentle Giant of a true Southern Gentleman. I will miss talking baseball with him on games days especially, I will miss that smiling face and twinkling eyes, I will – just plain and simple – miss Coach B.
BASEBALL IS HERE!
Posted in Uncategorized on February 16, 2011 by admin
By: Bunny
Clemson Baseball In the Air…..Time to get Tigertown Fever!!
How much fun can anyone have on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, being in a room of 90% orange clad baseball fans; players and coaches? Sunday – Feb 13th was a beautiful day. As I walked into Jervey Gym, there was no doubt…I was in Tigertown!! Orange all over the place, plus all the players had their jerseys on and what a great group of young men we have representing our team.
From 4:30 to 5:30 the doors had opened for those to get in on the Silent Auction to raise funds for the Bill Wilhelm Memorial for Baseball Facilities. I will have an update on how that is coming very soon.
Roberta Balliet, administrative coordinator for baseball, did an outstanding job of decorations, having the bat girls greet the guest, take tickets up at the food lines and direct the traffic as they had four setups for the food line. The tables were decorated with small Clemson baseball hats with potted flowers in them. The meal consist of chicken (what else!), lasagna, green beans, red potatoes in a butter sauce, tossed salad, a spinach salad with lots of strawberries, and peach cobbler. Thanks to Roberta and the girls!
Bob Mahony was the master of ceremonies. He started out with a tribute to Coach Wilhelm and what he meant to Clemson. A moment of silent prayer was observed. (Of course I can hear Coach now – “get on with the meeting”. A very humble man, he did not like attention. He meant a lot to me over the years and I will miss him greatly…I can’t imagine baseball being played on the beautiful Tiger field and he will not be there. He was a giant among men.)
Bob introduced Kris Benson, Bill Spiers, Matt LaCroy and Billy MacMillan. Four guys that have had a tremendous impact on Clemson baseball. Bob spoke about the new Players Complex. Showed the designs of how it will be done and it is going to be big time. Dan Joy, of Atlanta and a grad in architect from Clemson, gave of his time to plan the facility and draw the design for what former players and coaches requested. The Chairman of the committee to raise the funds for the facility is Neil Simon. The other members include..Bill Spiers, Dr Harder, Kris Benson, Thurmond McLamb, and a member of the Cameron family.
The facility will be three stories. The 3rd floor will over look the field and will have a room that will allow for rental for tailgating in the fall and corporations to use for baseball season. It will include up to 40 bar seats to watch the games.
The first floor will be very instrumental for our players and coaches especially when doubleheaders are involved. It will have a laundry room, which according to Bob, is the best thing ever! Seems that the truck loads up uniforms after a game takes them to the campus laundry room – gets them clean and then has to return. This way it is all done within the locker area and is much needed.
The second floor is a bonus room in that it also overlooks the field but will be a place where the players can relax, study (although it will not replace those that have to go to Vickery!) and will have a couple of meeting areas. It will also be a place parents can go.
He introduced the four former players with complete backgrounds on them. Very impressive as you sat there and listen to all they had accomplished. Which is going to make the new facility so special? When you are able to enter the lobby of the building, it will have the history of all players that have contributed to Clemson baseball and Major League also.
Each player spoke on why Clemson, best memories, and what they learned from being at Clemson. Matt and Bill Spiers grew up being Clemson. They had no choice! Matt said there was no reason for him to go anywhere else, Bill’s dad played at Clemson. As you remember Spiers played as a punter on the football team 85-86-87 and he said his greatest experience was running down the hill.
Both Bill S and Billy Mac spoke of Coach Wilhelm playing a big role in their lives. Billy Mac said his choice was Clemson and The Citadel and he decided to come to Clemson. However with the way Coach Wilhelm demanded the best of his players, he felt some days he might have been at the Citadel! Spiers said he had a tremendous impact on his life and molded him to what he is today.
Kris was recruited by Jack and Jack said the night he signed Kris, he got in the car and hi-fived himself! Can’t you just see that, everyone loved that story. Kris says that he is glad Coach enjoys telling that. His remarks of what he had learned at Clemson, was intensity, being responsible and hard work. He feels now that he is in the work world and out of baseball, it is going to serve him well. BillyMac said the practicing brought about the things he uses today and that honesty taught by Coach Wilhelm had an impact on his life. They all said very much the same in that thru the coaches it has made them better people today.
The funniest things that happened to them at Clemson:
Kris …the day Gary threw the ball back in the stands at the College World Series. He said he just stood there thinking what in the world is he doing. They did not laugh then but they do now.
Matt…the same story..but he also said he got excited listening to “Bennie” in the locker room afterwards. (would not we all have liked to have been in there…I laugh just thinking about it)
BillyMac…spoke about an incident he had with the Fla Marlins when he was with them. Seems he thought a ball was going foul so he quit running and all of a sudden the wind caused it to turn. He was very happy it landed about a foot over the foul line and saved him from more grief than he got!!
Bill S…talked about an incident he had playing in Houston in 1998 when a huge guy jumped from the stands on to his back. Thank goodness his teammates came to his rescue.
Kris spoke of the campaign and how excited he is to be back in the area. He and his family have settled in Atlanta and things are going well.
Jack thanked the players for returning and playing a big role in Clemson history. Then he thanked the Clemson personnel, the Tiger Field personnel, all the coaches wives and parents of the players. Has a few new recruits in the making…Michael Johnson and his wife are expecting, Bradley LaCroy and his wife just had a baby boy and Coach Pepicelli and his wife just had a little girl. Said his wife- Karen has been very busy with having three grandchildren born in past few weeks. One daughter had twin boys and the other had a baby girl.
He thanked Roberta for all that she does and for being so supportive over the years.
Introduced the Bat Girls, Coaches, and the Players.
He then thanked everyone and asked that we please be at the game on Friday and as many of the others as possible. He also reminded everyone that several games will be in Greenville and order the tickets.
Side Note: The Clemson – South Carolina game is now on sale. Call Clemson for more details. 864-656-2118. The other games at Fluor Field must be purchased at the Greenville Drive office. They are as follows:
Feb 27 Clemson vs Michigan St
March 16 Clemson vs PC
May 10 Clemson vs Furman
IPTAY Meeting Part 3
Posted in Uncategorized on February 16, 2011 by admin
By: Bunny
THE COACHES
The moment came that everyone looks forward to at the meeting…..the head coaches and what they have to say.
Jack Leggett was first up. The baseball hi-lights from last season were played. He started out by congratulating Phil for receiving the Student-Athletic Award of the year. He spoke of what a joy it was to coach him.
He brought a laugh when he said that he is not a coffee drinker because he does not need the caffine. However after having 3 glasses of tea and a slice of chocolate cake, he was ready to have a 5 hour practice.
“Coaching athletics like Phil makes it all worthwhile.” He spoke very highly of him and thanked him for coming to Clemson. He said “that coaching guys like him and the others on the team makes it all worthwhile.”
He said “Being successful, is great…losing is hurtful. Sorta like being positive as a representative for IPTAY…it is great when we are winning, but bad when we lose. All of Clemson needs to be loyal and quit jumping on and off the bandwagon. It is not good for the school, the team or the coaches”
He commented that we need to love Clemson all of the time and not just when we are winning. That all the Clemson coaches are passionate about their jobs and need our support and positivity when out in the public. They, the players and coaches, need us to be there when they are having down days.
Side Note: This was probably the most passionate I have heard Jack in a long time. I know he is frustrated over not accomplishing the one thing he would love to do and that is to bring home a World College Championship Trophy. The season opens on February 18th at 4:00. If you can be there to start the season, maybe just maybe, this may be the year!!
Brad Brownell was next. He acknowledged the fact that tonight was his daughter’s 13th birthday and that she was use to celebrating her birthday on other days because of his games and meetings!
He also thanked Phil for the great job he has done and wished him well for this season.
He loves everything about Clemson and especially the people. He thanked all of the people on the Clemson staff. He said that Leggett texts him all of the time, good and bad and he appreciates it. That at other schools he did not have the interaction with other coaches like he does here and he really likes that close knit comradeship.
He thanked Terry Don Phillips, who he says is a quiet leader. He is always in the basketball office ..backing him after a loss saying “It is going to be fine” The Leadership is there when you need him and he appreciates that.
He mentioned that the players were glad he was out of town tonight following their lost so that he did not have one of his practices that he has when they lose.
To Pres. Barker and Mrs. Barker, he thanked them for the lunches he had with them. He really appreciates the support and how they have been there on the bad days as well as the good days. To several others he expressed how much it meant to have the support that he has.
He calls Dabo his little brother (Brad is one year older) and loves the fact that he has been someone he can talk to about Clemson and what it means to him. He congratulated Dabo on the fine signing day that he had and stated he wanted the same with his. He has certain priorities that he needs and is going to work like heck to get it done. He will be going after kids with talent, that will graduate, and become successful.
He had meetings with every player when he first came to Clemson on a one-on-one and although two left, Clemson is leading the league in defense. He thinks of the team as a blue-color team and they will be the foundation for what he wants to do to build a competitive team at Clemson. “While we are not there just yet,” he stated , “We will work like heck, we will do it the right way and we will build it so it will last.”
Side Note: The comments I got from several of the folks at the meeting was awesome to say the least. Brad is a passionate coach and showed it in his talk. He has a presence about him that just gives off one of confidence and excitement over his opportunity to take the Clemson basketball team to levels we have not seen in a long time. The players are developing very quickly under his coaching and you can’t help but feel we have a lot of good things in store.
Dabo Swinney was as serious as I have ever seen him when he first started. He started out by thanking IPTAY because without the fundraising that is done, he would not have the scholarships to offer. He is very excited over the new facilities and especially the indoor practice facility. He also expressed thanks for everything that is being improved as it helps all coaches.
He thanked Jack for his words of encouragement because he says he was a frustrated coach at the end of the season. Now with all the changes and the new recruits coming in, he feels real confident is what can be accomplished.
He mentioned how much he enjoyed have Brad and Jack run down the hill. It brings a family feeling to all the coaches to have special moments like that. He appreciates the leadership from Terry Don and President Barker.
He took a few minutes to speak about the passing of Tom Lynch and how he had been such a wonderful supporter for Clemson.
He wanted everyone to know that while he was extremely disappointed in the past season, he is very optimist about the future and how bright it looks. He stated “I am very thankful the players we have and the foundation is here. This team never quit . We got better as coaches and a team yesterday (speaking about the signing of new recruits) and am eagerly looking forward to spring and fall practice.” He was very proud of the fact that we had players in the Super Bowl. Out of 10 players on the team 2 years ago, one was already in the Super Bowl.
He gave a brief overview of the signees for 2011 and then said they were getting cranked up for the 2012 season. Never can allow to slow down! Clemson is a selling point and that once he gets a recruit on campus they love it. As it is said about Clemson…”There is something special in those hills” The football players are very happy with being at Clemson and it spilled over to the recruits this year.
He announced all the coaching changes and some of the coaches were on hand to greet everyone.
He announced the “All In Ball” would be held on April 9th in Clemson which is the evening before the spring game.
He said that he had never talked too much about the All In slogan that he uses and why he wants to continue with it. All In is about family, husbands and fathers, it is more than just a guy that plays football. It is learning trust and respect; common goal for things in life; and a genuine appreciate of life.
He stated, “ALL IN stands for Attitude – Leadership – Legacy – Improving and New Beginnings.” He thanked all for coming and looking forward to a great spring game.
Side Note: I was struck by something during Dabo’s talk and that is how he is building for what he wants to get accomplished at Clemson and how all three coaches talked about building their teams the right way. Strong foundations last longer and we saw that in the basketball several years ago with Fab Five. We saw in baseball when we had Kris Benson and his team for four years. We saw it in football with Charley Pell and Danny Ford. Foundations are very important. This is Dabo’s second year of recruiting fully – across the board. It is looking real good. We are very fortunate at Clemson to have the three head coaches we have. Coaches that love Clemson and want to be here. 2011 is going to be special in Clemson history from the final few games left on the basketball schedule to the opening of baseball, to football 2011 and then basketball starting up again. Catch the Fever if you haven’t already….TIGERTOWN FEVER!!!
"Paws"itively Clemson 