Caden Grice is quickly becoming a household name in Clemson baseball, and it’s easy to see why. As a versatile junior left-hander who plays both pitcher and first base, Grice has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team. He burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2021, quickly solidifying his spot as the team’s top power hitter and run producer. In 2022 and 2023, he has only continued to improve and make a name for himself as one of the top college baseball players in the country.
Born and raised in Greer, South Carolina, Grice grew up playing baseball and basketball at Riverside High School. During his senior year, he put up some impressive numbers, hitting .455 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs, as well as a 5-2 record as a pitcher with a 1.44 ERA and 58 strikeouts. It’s no surprise that he was named the Gatorade South Carolina Baseball Player of the Year in 2020.
Caden Grice’s Commitment to Clemson Baseball
Grice committed to play baseball at Clemson University in 2018, and it’s safe to say that he has made the most of his time here so far. In his two full seasons with the Tigers, Grice has played in 109 games, hitting 20 doubles, a triple, and 27 home runs. He has driven in 93 RBIs, scored 85 runs, and drawn 64 walks. He has shown that he can do it all at the plate, boasting a .277 batting average, .528 slugging percentage, and .390 on-base percentage. His power is undeniable, and his ability to get on base consistently makes him a dangerous threat on the field.
Despite his impressive offensive performance, Grice hasn’t been limited to his role as a first baseman. He has also served as a left-handed pitcher for the Tigers, making 12 appearances and recording a 2-1 record and a 5.62 ERA over 16 innings pitched. In 2023, he has upped his game in this area as well, going 5-1 with a 3.42 ERA in 50 innings pitched. Grice has also recorded 11 strikeouts in a single game against Louisville, showcasing his abilities as both a hitter and a pitcher.
Grice’s talent and impressive production on the field have not gone unnoticed. He was named to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List for 2022, a prestigious recognition given to the top amateur baseball player in the United States. He was also ranked as the No. 135 starting pitcher in the nation in the preseason by D1Baseball, the No. 79 junior in the nation by Perfect Game, the No. 17 ACC prospect for the 2023 draft by Perfect Game, and the No. 40 ACC prospect for the 2023 draft by D1Baseball.
One of Grice’s standout performances in came in a 3-game series against No. 4 Louisville in 2022. In one game, he hit a game-winning home run, while in another game, he went 4-for-4 with two RBIs. He tied the Tiger record for homers in an ACC Tournament game, solidifying his status as a top freshman player in the ACC preseason rankings by both D1Baseball and Perfect Game.
Caden’s performance in game 3 of the latest 2023 vs No. 22 Louisville was exceptional, as he contributed to Clemson’s 7-3 win. He pitched for 6.1 innings with a 2.84 ERA, allowing just 7 hits while striking out 11 batters, which was a career-best for him.
Grice also played in the Cape Cod League and the USA Collegiate National Team during the summer, where he continued to showcase his impressive abilities on the field. He has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college baseball, and he has only just begun to scratch the surface of his potential.
Off the field, Grice is pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & tourism management. He was born on June 15, 2002, and at only 21 years old, he has already made a significant impact on the Clemson baseball program.
Caden Grice & Clemson Baseball Future in 2023
There’s no doubt that Grice’s star will only continue to rise in the coming years. With his impressive performance on both offense and defense, he is a valuable asset to the Tigers. His knack for hitting home runs and getting on base, combined with his strong pitching abilities, make him a well-rounded player who is sure to continue making headlines in the world of college baseball. As he continues to develop his skills and grow as a player, there’s no telling what kind of impact he will have on the sport in the years to come. One thing is for certain, however: Caden Grice is definitely a player to watch.
As Clemson prepares for the 2023 postseason, all eyes will be on Grice to see how he performs on the big stage. His ability to handle pressure situations has been proven time and time again, and there’s no doubt that he’ll rise to the occasion when it matters most. His impressive statistics and accolades have already cemented him as one of the top players in the game, and the sky is the limit for his potential.
For Clemson fans, Grice is a source of excitement and pride. With his natural talent and dedication to the game, he has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in Clemson baseball. As he continues to improve and hone his skills, there’s no telling how much he will be able to accomplish in the sport.
Caden Grice is a rising star in the world of college baseball. His impressive offensive and defensive skills have made him a valuable asset to the Clemson baseball program, and his versatility as a player has only further enhanced his value. With his hat in the ring for the Golden Spikes Award and a promising future ahead of him, there’s no doubt that Grice will continue to make headlines and take the college baseball world by storm.
