Every year when the All-ACC academic awards are announced, college baseball fans eagerly wait to see if their team has made the list. This year, Clemson is one of those lucky teams that can brag about an impressive group of student-athletes who have excelled in both their studies and on the field.
In an exhilarating and highly anticipated announcement that has ignited waves of excitement across the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), ten exceptional Tigers from Clemson University have been proudly recognized and honored for their remarkable achievements. These extraordinary individuals have been bestowed with the prestigious distinction of being named to the highly acclaimed All-ACC Academic Baseball Team for the illustrious year of 2023. This remarkable accomplishment further solidifies their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and their exceptional prowess on the baseball field. The Clemson University community celebrates its outstanding dedication and exceptional achievements, which serve as a shining example of the university’s unwavering pursuit of excellence in both academics and athletics. This achievement is a testament to the rigorous training, relentless determination, and academic dedication these student-athletes have displayed throughout the year.
Among the ten Tigers named, four standouts have also received all-ACC honors. Freshman Cam Cannarella has been awarded Freshman of the Year, demonstrating exceptional prowess on the field. First-team pick Billy Amick has shown impressive consistency in his performance, earning him a well-deserved place on the list. The other two honorees’ names are yet to be revealed, but their inclusion is an attestation to their hard work and commitment both on the field and in the classroom.
The ACC season honors were determined by a vote of the league’s 14 head coaches, further solidifying the credibility and prestige of these recognitions. The selection of ten Tigers to the All-ACC Academic Baseball Team underscores Clemson’s commitment to fostering high-performing student-athletes who excel in both their academic and athletic pursuits.
One noteworthy Tiger is Riley Bertram, a graduate student juggling his Athletic Leadership Certificate with his demanding baseball schedule. His achievement mirrors the balance that all these student-athletes have mastered between their sporting commitments and their academic responsibilities.
The Atlantic Coast Conference is known for its competitive spirit and high-quality teams. Having three of its members, including Clemson, listed among the top 25 of college football’s all-time winningest programs is no small feat. The fact that Clemson has ten players on the All-ACC Academic Baseball Team speaks volumes about the university’s comprehensive athletic program, which emphasizes both physical prowess and intellectual growth.
Clemson’s baseball team has had a spectacular season, culminating in a record-breaking 12 players on the All-ACC Academic Team. This accomplishment surpasses the previous program record and sets a new standard for future Tigers. One of the key contributors to this success is undoubtedly the team’s starting pitchers – Ethan Darden, Austin Gordon, and Caden Grice. Their consistent performances have played a pivotal role in the team’s successful season.
Apart from their successes, the Tigers as a team, under the guidance of first-year head coach Erik Bakich, have had a phenomenal run this season. They managed to rip off an impressive 12 wins in a row, elevating them from a middle-of-the-pack ACC team to earn a 3 seed in the conference tournament.
The journey reached its ultimate peak of success when the Tigers emerged victorious as the champions of the 2023 ACC baseball tournament! They conquered the 4-seed Miami (Fla.) in an epic final match held on Sunday, May 28th. But that’s not all – in the semifinals, the Tigers defeated the defending tournament champs, North Carolina, while the Hurricanes pulled off a stunning upset against the top-ranked Wake Forest. It was a thrilling display of skill, determination, and the undying spirit of competition!
The ten Tigers named to the All-ACC Academic Baseball Team represent the best of Clemson’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded student-athletes. Their achievements on the field and in the classroom set a shining example for future Tigers and continue the school’s proud tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics. The entire Clemson community looks forward to seeing what these talented individuals will accomplish next, both on the diamond and beyond.
