South Carolina Gamecocks baseball
Encyclopedia
The South Carolina Gamecocks
baseball team represents the University of South Carolina
in NCAA Division I college baseball
. South Carolina has perennially been one of the best teams in college baseball since 1970, posting 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, 10 College World Series
berths, and two National Championships: 2010
and 2011
. Carolina is one of six schools in NCAA history to win back-to-back titles. Since joining the Southeastern Conference
in 1992, the team has competed in the Eastern division. Ray Tanner
is the current head coach, and he has guided the program to two consecutive national championships, three SEC titles, one SEC tournament title, five division titles, five College World Series
appearances, and twelve straight NCAA Tournaments (longest current streak in the SEC). The Gamecocks currently hold two NCAA records for postseason success: the most consecutive NCAA tournament wins (16) and the most consecutive wins in the CWS record (11); both streaks are still active. The team plays its home games at Carolina Stadium, which opened on February 21, 2009.
after the faculty agreed to let the athletic teams travel outside of Columbia
. After decades of lackluster performance on the diamond, South Carolina's fortunes quickly changed with the hiring of former New York Yankees
second baseman Bobby Richardson
in 1970. Since then, the Gamecocks have been regular NCAA Tournament participants, making 27 Regionals and ten College World Series appearances. Carolina owns a 28-17 all-time record at the College World Series and is 118-56 in NCAA Tournament play. Carolina holds the NCAA Tournament record of 16 consecutive wins, and the CWS record of 11 consecutive wins.
In 119 years of baseball, through 2011, South Carolina has 2319 wins, 1407 losses, and 17 ties.
was hired and quickly built upon the winning tradition that Richardson created and Raines had perpetuated. In 15 seasons as the Gamecocks' skipper, Tanner has compiled a 688-296 (.699) record with five College World Series appearances, winning the 2010 and 2011 National Championships and finishing National runner-up in 2002. Under Tanner, the Gamecocks have made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, advanced to the Super Regionals 10 times, and have posted thirteen 40-win and five 50-win seasons. In addition, the Gamecocks won the 2000, 2002 and 2011 SEC season championships, the 2004 SEC Tournament championship, and five SEC East titles (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2011). In 2010, Tanner and the Gamecocks won the NCAA championship at the CWS in Omaha, becoming the first team to win six straight games in a World Series and the third team to win the CWS after losing its first game of the series. In 2011, Coach Tanner guided the Gamecocks to a share of the 2011 Regular Season SEC Championship before winning the 2011 NCAA national championship. Under Coach Tanner's guidance South Carolina set the NCAA record for consecutive post season wins (16) and CWS wins (11) between 2010-2011, and becoming just the sixth program to win back-to-back CWS titles.
, who defeated the Gamecocks by a score of 12-6. The 2002 squad finished with a 57-18 mark, setting the record for most season victories in program history.
, South Carolina reeled off four straight victories, including two against arch-rival Clemson
, to reach the championship series against UCLA
. The Gamecocks continued their hot streak, defeating the Bruins in consecutive games (7-1 and 2-1) to win the 2010 National Championship. South Carolina finished the season with a 54-16 overall record, which included an 11-1 mark in NCAA postseason play. South Carolina was the final team to win the CWS Championship in Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium
, and Gamecock center fielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. was named CWS Most Outstanding Player.
(12), Mookie Wilson
(12), Adam Everett
(11), Brian Roberts
(11).
At the start of the 2011 season, there are 5 active players on MLB rosters:
South Carolina Gamecocks
The University of South Carolina's 19 varsity sports teams are known as the "Gamecocks". The unique moniker is held in honor of Thomas Sumter, a South Carolina war hero who was given the name "The Carolina Gamecock" during the American Revolution for his fierce fighting tactics, regardless of his...
baseball team represents the University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
in NCAA Division I college baseball
College baseball
College baseball is baseball that is played on the intercollegiate level at institutions of higher education. Compared to football and basketball, college competition in the United States plays a less significant contribution to cultivating professional players, as the minor leagues primarily...
. South Carolina has perennially been one of the best teams in college baseball since 1970, posting 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, 10 College World Series
College World Series
The College World Series or CWS is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha, Nebraska that is the culmination of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, which determines the NCAA Division I college baseball champion. The eight teams are split into two, four-team, double-elimination brackets,...
berths, and two National Championships: 2010
2010 College World Series
The 2010 College World Series began on June 19, 2010 and concluded on June 29 in Omaha, Nebraska at Rosenblatt Stadium. South Carolina won the championship after defeating UCLA. Rosenblatt has hosted the CWS since 1950, but 2010 will be the final College World Series to be played in the famed...
and 2011
2011 College World Series
The 2011 College World Series began on June 18, 2011 and concluded on June 28 with the University of South Carolina defeating the University of Florida by a score of 5-2 in Omaha, Nebraska at TD Ameritrade Park. TD Ameritrade Park replaced Rosenblatt Stadium, which hosted the CWS from 1950–2010...
. Carolina is one of six schools in NCAA history to win back-to-back titles. Since joining the Southeastern Conference
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
in 1992, the team has competed in the Eastern division. Ray Tanner
Ray Tanner
Ray Tanner is in his 15th season as the head baseball coach at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. His record since arriving at Carolina in 1997 is 689-296...
is the current head coach, and he has guided the program to two consecutive national championships, three SEC titles, one SEC tournament title, five division titles, five College World Series
College World Series
The College World Series or CWS is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha, Nebraska that is the culmination of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, which determines the NCAA Division I college baseball champion. The eight teams are split into two, four-team, double-elimination brackets,...
appearances, and twelve straight NCAA Tournaments (longest current streak in the SEC). The Gamecocks currently hold two NCAA records for postseason success: the most consecutive NCAA tournament wins (16) and the most consecutive wins in the CWS record (11); both streaks are still active. The team plays its home games at Carolina Stadium, which opened on February 21, 2009.
Program History
Carolina played its first intercollegiate game on May 2, 1895 against Wofford in SpartanburgSpartanburg, South Carolina
thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of...
after the faculty agreed to let the athletic teams travel outside of Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
. After decades of lackluster performance on the diamond, South Carolina's fortunes quickly changed with the hiring of former New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
second baseman Bobby Richardson
Bobby Richardson
Robert Clinton "Bobby" Richardson is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees from through . Batting and throwing right-handed, he was a superb defensive infielder, as well as something of a clutch hitter, who played no small role in the Yankee baseball...
in 1970. Since then, the Gamecocks have been regular NCAA Tournament participants, making 27 Regionals and ten College World Series appearances. Carolina owns a 28-17 all-time record at the College World Series and is 118-56 in NCAA Tournament play. Carolina holds the NCAA Tournament record of 16 consecutive wins, and the CWS record of 11 consecutive wins.
In 119 years of baseball, through 2011, South Carolina has 2319 wins, 1407 losses, and 17 ties.
Bobby Richardson Era (1970-1976)
Richardson led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1974, which set the stage for what would happen a year later. In 1975, South Carolina posted a 51-6-1 record, made the College World Series, and played for the National Title against Texas (5-1 Longhorns victory). Richardson left South Carolina after the 1976 season, finishing his tenure with a 221-92-1 record and three NCAA Tournament appearances.June Raines Era (1977-1996)
June Raines took over the Gamecocks in 1977 and picked up where Richardson left off, leading the Gamecocks to a 43-12-1 record and its second National Title game appearance in three years (2-1 loss to Arizona State). Raines led the Gamecocks to three more College World Series appearances by his final season in 1996, and he finished his tenure as the program's all-time winningest coach with a 763-380-2 overall record. During the Raines' era, South Carolina made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances and posted nine 40-win seasons. The 1980s saw the program's most successful run during Raines' tenure, as the Gamecocks made eight NCAA Tournaments, including seven straight from 1980-1986.Ray Tanner Era (1997-Present)
In 1997, current head coach Ray TannerRay Tanner
Ray Tanner is in his 15th season as the head baseball coach at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. His record since arriving at Carolina in 1997 is 689-296...
was hired and quickly built upon the winning tradition that Richardson created and Raines had perpetuated. In 15 seasons as the Gamecocks' skipper, Tanner has compiled a 688-296 (.699) record with five College World Series appearances, winning the 2010 and 2011 National Championships and finishing National runner-up in 2002. Under Tanner, the Gamecocks have made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, advanced to the Super Regionals 10 times, and have posted thirteen 40-win and five 50-win seasons. In addition, the Gamecocks won the 2000, 2002 and 2011 SEC season championships, the 2004 SEC Tournament championship, and five SEC East titles (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2011). In 2010, Tanner and the Gamecocks won the NCAA championship at the CWS in Omaha, becoming the first team to win six straight games in a World Series and the third team to win the CWS after losing its first game of the series. In 2011, Coach Tanner guided the Gamecocks to a share of the 2011 Regular Season SEC Championship before winning the 2011 NCAA national championship. Under Coach Tanner's guidance South Carolina set the NCAA record for consecutive post season wins (16) and CWS wins (11) between 2010-2011, and becoming just the sixth program to win back-to-back CWS titles.
2000's: SEC Dominance and Return to Omaha
In the 10 years from 2000–2009, South Carolina posted an impressive 468-201 overall record (179-120 SEC). The 468 overall wins ranked fourth in Division I College Baseball (first among SEC programs), and the 179 SEC victories led the conference for the decade. The Gamecocks made the NCAA Tournament every season, advancing to seven Super Regionals and three College World Series (first CWS berths since 1985). In addition, South Carolina won 40 or more games each season and hit the 50-win mark on three occasions (2000, 2002, 2004). The highlight of the decade was an appearance in the 2002 National Championship game against TexasTexas Longhorns baseball
The Texas Longhorns baseball team represents The University of Texas at Austin and competes in the Big 12 Conference of NCAA Division I.The Texas Longhorns are the winningest program in college baseball history in terms of win percentage with .740 and ranks second all-time in total wins to the...
, who defeated the Gamecocks by a score of 12-6. The 2002 squad finished with a 57-18 mark, setting the record for most season victories in program history.
- 2000-2004: Winningest Program in NCAA Division I – In the five seasons from 2000 to 2004, South Carolina won more games than any other Division I College Baseball program in the nation (260-87 record). This stretch included five Super Regionals, three College World Series berths, three 50-win seasons, a 99-50 SEC record, three SEC championships (2 season and 1 tournament), and three SEC East titles.
2010 National Championship
South Carolina won eight SEC series to finish 21-9 in regular season conference play (2nd place), but posted an 0-2 mark in the SEC Tournament. Once the NCAA Tournament began, however, the Gamecocks rode strong pitching and clutch hitting to win their Regional and Super Regional and earn a berth in the College World Series. After an opening game loss to OklahomaOklahoma Sooners
The University of Oklahoma features 19 varsity sports teams. Both men's and women's teams are called the Sooners, a nickname given to the early participants in the land rushes which initially opened the Oklahoma Indian Territory to non-native settlement. They participate in the NCAA's Division I-A,...
, South Carolina reeled off four straight victories, including two against arch-rival Clemson
Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers are any team that represents Clemson University as a member of the NCAA's Division I or in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference....
, to reach the championship series against UCLA
UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins are the sports teams for University of California, Los Angeles . The Bruin men's and women's teams participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Pacific-12 Conference and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation . For football, they are in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I...
. The Gamecocks continued their hot streak, defeating the Bruins in consecutive games (7-1 and 2-1) to win the 2010 National Championship. South Carolina finished the season with a 54-16 overall record, which included an 11-1 mark in NCAA postseason play. South Carolina was the final team to win the CWS Championship in Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium
Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium
Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is a baseball stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, the former home to the annual NCAA Division I College World Series and the minor league Omaha Royals, now known as the Omaha Storm Chasers...
, and Gamecock center fielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. was named CWS Most Outstanding Player.
2011 National Championship
South Carolina finished the 2011 regular season 44-12 (22-8 SEC) and shared the SEC regular season championship with divisional rivals Florida and Vanderbilt, but posted a 1-2 mark in the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama despite their #1 overall seeding. Once the NCAA Tournament began, however, the Gamecocks rode strong pitching, clutch hitting and incredible defense while cruising through their Regional and Super Regional, without a loss, on their way to a second consecutive berth in the College World Series. South Carolina proceeded to defeat Texas A&M 5-4 in their first game, then swept #1 national seed Virginia (7-1 and 3-2) in the next two, including a 13-inning win in the second matchup, to battle their way back to the CWS Championship Series versus SEC Eastern Division foe Florida. This marked the second time two teams from the SEC had participated in the Championship Series/Games. In Game 1 of the Championship Series, South Carolina lived up to their mantra as they battled to win their second straight extra inning game in the CWS, 2-1 over the Gators, in 11 innings. They had a much easier time with the favored Gators in Game 2, winning 5-2 to earn the 2011 CWS Championship and their second consecutive national title. The Gamecock defense turned an incredible nine double-plays in this CWS - no other participant turned more than three. South Carolina finished the season with a 55-14 overall record, setting a new NCAA record for consecutive post-season wins with 16, a new record for consecutive College World Series wins with 11, and became the just the sixth program in history to win back-to-back NCAA Division I Baseball Championships. Carolina became the first team to win the College World Series in the new TD Ameritrade Park, and Gamecock second baseman Scott Wingo was named CWS Most Outstanding Player.National Runner-up Seasons
- 1975 – The 1975 Gamecocks won four games at the College World Series behind strong starting pitching, but were ultimately defeated twice by the Texas Longhorns. In the title game, Texas defeated South Carolina 5-1. The Gamecocks finished the season with a 51-6-1 record
- 1977 – Just two years after finishing #2 nationally, the Gamecocks returned to Omaha in 1977. South Carolina rode solid pitching to three victories, before losing twice to Arizona State. In the title game, the Sun Devils defeated the Gamecocks 2-1. South Carolina finished the season with a 43-12-1 record.
- 2002 – The Gamecocks returned to the CWS in 2002 after not reaching Omaha since 1985. After an 11-0 loss to Georgia TechGeorgia Tech Yellow JacketsThe Yellow Jackets is the name used for all of the intercollegiate athletic teams that play for the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The teams have also been nicknamed the Ramblin' Wreck, Engineers, Blacksmiths, and Golden Tornado. There are 8 men's and 7 women's teams that...
, the Gamecocks reeled off four straight victories, including two against arch-rival ClemsonClemson TigersThe Clemson Tigers are any team that represents Clemson University as a member of the NCAA's Division I or in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference....
. In the title game, Texas defeated South Carolina 12-6. The Gamecocks finished the season with a 54-16 record.
50-Win Seasons
- 1975 – The Gamecocks went 51-6-1, won the NCAA Atlantic Regional, and finished National Runner-up at the College World Series after losing to Texas.
- 2000 – The Gamecocks went 56-10 overall (25-5 SEC), won the SEC season championship, and reached the Super Regionals.
- 2002 – The Gamecocks went 57-18 overall (21-8 SEC), won the SEC season championship, and finished National Runner-up at the College World Series after losing to Texas.
- 2004 – The Gamecocks went 53-17 overall (17-13 SEC), won the SEC tournament championship, and reached the College World Series.
- 20102010 South Carolina Gamecocks baseball teamThe 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team represented the University of South Carolina in the 2010 NCAA Division I baseball season. The Gamecocks played their home games in Carolina Stadium. The team was coached by Ray Tanner, who was in his fourteenth season at Carolina.USC finished the...
– The Gamecocks went 54-16 overall (21-9 SEC), reached the College World Series, and defeated UCLA in the championship series to win their first National Title.
- 20112011 South Carolina Gamecocks baseball teamThe 2011 South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team represented the University of South Carolina in the 2011 NCAA Division I baseball season. The Gamecocks played their home games in Carolina Stadium. The team was coached by Ray Tanner, who was in his fifteenth season at Carolina...
– The Gamecocks went 55-14 overall (22-8 SEC), won a share of the SEC East and season titles, and defeated SEC rival Florida to win its second National Title.
Program Achievements
| National Champions | 2010, 2011 |
| National Runners-up | 1975, 1977, 2002 |
| CWS Appearances | 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1985, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011 |
| NCAA Super Regionals* | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011 |
| SEC Champions | 2000, 2002, 2011 |
| SEC East Champions | 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2011 |
| SEC Tournament Champions | 2004 |
- Super Regional play was implemented by the NCAA in 1999.
Awards
- Golden Spikes AwardGolden Spikes AwardThe Golden Spikes Award is awarded annually to the best amateur baseball player. It is awarded by USA Baseball and sponsored by the Major League Baseball Players Association. Though the award can be presented to any amateur player, it has always been given to a college baseball player.-Past...
– Kip BouknightKip BouknightKip McKey Bouknight is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He-High school career:...
(2000) - National Coach of the Year - Ray TannerRay TannerRay Tanner is in his 15th season as the head baseball coach at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. His record since arriving at Carolina in 1997 is 689-296...
(2000, 2010, 2011)
Gamecocks in Major League Baseball
By the end of the 2010 season, 42 former Gamecocks have seen action in the Major Leagues, 20 of which were pitchers. Four players were/are active for more than 10 seasons: Dave HollinsDave Hollins
David Michael Hollins is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball. He played baseball at Orchard Park High School, where he graduated in 1984. He attended the University of South Carolina. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 6th round of the 1987 amateur draft...
(12), Mookie Wilson
Mookie Wilson
William Hayward "Mookie" Wilson is an American former Major League Baseball center fielder and current coach for the New York Mets. He played 12 years in baseball for the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays . He was a switch hitter primarily known for his impressive speed and positive attitude...
(12), Adam Everett
Adam Everett
Jeffery Adam Everett , is an American professional baseball shortstop who is a free agent. He played collegiate baseball at the University of South Carolina...
(11), Brian Roberts
Brian Roberts
Brian Michael Roberts is an American Major League Baseball All Star second baseman, nicknamed B-Rob.He made his Major League debut in and has spent his entire professional career with the Baltimore Orioles organization, located in Baltimore, Maryland.-Early life, education and college-baseball...
(11).
At the start of the 2011 season, there are 5 active players on MLB rosters:
- Adam EverettAdam EverettJeffery Adam Everett , is an American professional baseball shortstop who is a free agent. He played collegiate baseball at the University of South Carolina...
— Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona... - Steve Pearce — Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
- Brian RobertsBrian RobertsBrian Michael Roberts is an American Major League Baseball All Star second baseman, nicknamed B-Rob.He made his Major League debut in and has spent his entire professional career with the Baltimore Orioles organization, located in Baltimore, Maryland.-Early life, education and college-baseball...
— Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league... - Landon PowellLandon PowellLandon Reed Powell is a catcher and first baseman for the Oakland Athletics.Powell attended the University of South Carolina. In 2002, his first season playing for them, he had a .292 batting average with 12 home runs and was part of the team that went to the College World Series...
— Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum.... - Justin SmoakJustin SmoakJustin Kyle Smoak is an American Major League Baseball first baseman for the Seattle Mariners.-High school career:...
— Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...