Clemson University’s baseball program has reason to celebrate as two of its standout players, Cam Cannarella and Aidan Knaak, have been invited to participate in the prestigious USA Baseball Collegiate National Team training camp. The camp, which features 56 of the nation’s top non-draft-eligible college players, is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of these two young athletes.
Cam Cannarella, a sophomore outfielder from Hartsville, S.C., has had a remarkable season with the Tigers. Despite battling injuries, he maintained an impressive .337 batting average, with 16 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 58 runs over 58 games in 2024. His resilience and skill earned him third-team All-America honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).
Aidan Knaak, a freshman right-hander from Fort Myers, Fla., has made an immediate impact in his debut season. Named the NCBWA National Freshman Pitcher-of-the-Year and an All-American, Knaak posted a 5-1 record with a 3.35 ERA, a .221 opponents’ batting average, and 108 strikeouts against 29 walks in 83.1 innings over 15 starts in 2024.
The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team training camp, held in North Carolina, will include a two-game Stars vs. Stripes intrasquad series on June 26 and June 27. Following the camp, USA Baseball will name the final Collegiate National Team roster on June 29, which will represent the United States in the International Friendship Series and the Summer League Tour.
Cannarella and Knaak’s invitations to the training camp are part of a proud tradition at Clemson, with 16 Tigers having been members of the USA Collegiate National Team in the past. Their inclusion highlights the continued excellence and national recognition of Clemson’s baseball program.
Head coach Erik Bakich expressed his pride in the players’ achievements, stating,
Erik Bakich
“Cam and Aidan have worked tirelessly to reach this point, and their invitations to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team training camp are well-deserved. They exemplify the talent, dedication, and character that we strive to cultivate in our program.”
As Cannarella and Knaak prepare for the training camp, the Clemson community eagerly awaits the final team selection on June 29. Regardless of the outcome, their participation in the camp underscores their individual talents and enhances the reputation of Clemson baseball on a national stage.
The success of these two young men serves as an inspiration to aspiring baseball players and a testament to the strength of Clemson’s athletic program. As they continue to develop their skills and represent their university with pride, Cam Cannarella and Aidan Knaak are undoubtedly names to watch in the world of college baseball and beyond.
