Clemson baseball fans will have the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of former Head Coach Jack Leggett on April 15, as the university plans to retire his number 7 in a ceremony at Doug Kingsmore Stadium before Clemson’s game against Notre Dame. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at approximately 3:45 p.m., prior to the 4 p.m. first pitch. Fans can order tickets for the game online.
Leggett served as Clemson’s head coach for an impressive 22 seasons, from 1994 to 2015, after spending two seasons as an assistant coach under Bill Wilhelm. During his tenure, Leggett led the Tigers to 955 wins, 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, and six College World Series berths. Clemson was the seventh-winningest program in the nation during his time as head coach.
The legacy of Leggett’s leadership extends far beyond his impressive win-loss record, however. Under his guidance, the Tigers won three ACC Tournament titles, and Leggett himself was named ACC Coach of the Year three times. Leggett coached an impressive 11 first-round draft picks, 21 players who went on to play in the major leagues, 31 First-Team All-ACC players, 34 All-Americans, and 121 players who signed professional contracts.
Leggett’s accomplishments on the field earned him induction into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. But his impact on Clemson baseball and the young men who played for him extends far beyond his individual accolades. Leggett was known for his commitment to developing his players, both on and off the field, and he was a beloved figure among the Clemson baseball community.
In fact, Leggett’s influence on Clemson baseball remains strong to this day. He is currently a member of the 2023 baseball staff, serving as an assistant coach under Head Coach Erik Bakich. In this role, Leggett continues to contribute to player, staff, and program development, leveraging his decades of experience as a Division I head coach.
Leggett’s retirement ceremony on April 15 promises to be a fitting tribute to his immense contributions to Clemson baseball. As fans gather to honor his legacy, they will remember not just the many wins and championships that Leggett delivered to Clemson, but also the deep and lasting impact he had on the young men who played for him.
Leggett’s dedication to developing his players as people and as athletes is a reminder of the enduring power of college sports to shape the lives of student-athletes in profound ways. As Clemson fans celebrate Leggett’s retirement, they are also celebrating the values of dedication, hard work, and excellence that he embodied throughout his remarkable career.
Legget was hired back at Clemson by Erik Bakich first-year coach. Jack Leggett, who has been hired to assist with player, staff, and program development. Leggett is currently in his first season back with the Tiger program, and his primary responsibility is to help develop the team, staff, and the overall program. As a new coach, Leggett is likely to bring fresh ideas and approaches to the team, which can help them improve their performance and achieve better results. With his expertise and experience in coaching, Leggett is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Clemson Tigers.
