The Clemson baseball team was in jeopardy of losing one of its brightest stars this offseason.
Speaking to the media on Thursday for the first time since the end of the Tigers’ season, head coach Erik Bakich discussed how opposing programs were trying to convince Cam Cannarella to transfer to their team through third-party groups.
“I love Cam, I love his family and I appreciate the loyalty because there was tampering going on with him,” Bakich said. “There were third parties, and that’s how it’s done. It’s never done from direct coach to player; it’s the third-party stuff. But he held his ground and stuck his feet in, and their family realized that he’s not only grown as a baseball player but as a person. And his friends are here, and he’s thriving here. You don’t want to mess with success, and he’s very successful here.”
Cannarella was an instrumental piece of Clemson’s 2023 team. Winning ACC Freshman of the Year, the center fielder hit .388 with 72 runs, 16 doubles, three triples, seven homers and 47 RBIs.
“It’s really exciting to think about his trajectory and about the career that he can build for himself on that trajectory and being able to play this great game for a long, long time,” Bakick said. “I love his fire, I love his competitiveness, and I don’t want to lose that for one second because it’s what makes him great. He’s awesome, and we love having him. I’m glad he’s on our team and staying on our team.”
Clemson lost multiple key players from last year’s team, both to the MLB draft and the transfer portal. But, for now, Cannarella remains an integral and versatile member of Team 127.
“He can play anywhere,” Bakich added. “Cam Cannarella can play infield, outfield, pitch and catch. He’s a ballplayer. He’s just got that ‘it’ factor. But it sure looks like he’s found a home at center field.”
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