Clemson star Caden Grice named top two-way player in college baseball

Caden Grice got the job done for Clemson at the plate and on the mound all season. The junior was honored for his production as a two-way player on Tuesday as he was named the John Olerud Two-Way Player-of-the-Year Award winner.

The lefty is the first Clemson player to win the award, which was first presented in 2010. It is given annually to the top two-way player in college baseball.

Grice had a magical year for the Tigers, going 8-1 with a 3.35 ERA on the mound. He struck out 101 batters in 78 innings and opponents hit only .196 against him.

In addition to being Clemson’s top pitcher, he was also the Tigers’ top power hitter. At the plate, Grice hit .307 with 18 homers and 68 RBIs, leading Clemson in both of those categories.

“He’s a special player. I mean his God-given ability is better than most,” Clemson coach Erik Bakich said earlier this season. “That’s how you draw up a baseball player right there — 6-6, 250 that’s fast and explosive and can do both ways. … I think he can do both at the highest level. He’s a very special player.”

The John Olerud Two-Way Player-of-the-Year Award is named for the former Washington State star, who achieved success both as a first baseman and lefthander during the late 1980s and was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.

Clemson star Caden Grice details how new coaching staff is different from old one

Caden Grice has played for two different coaching staffs during his three seasons at Clemson.

Grice started his college career playing under former head coach Monte Lee — who is now an assistant at South Carolina — and decided to stick around after Lee was fired and replaced by Erik Bakich.

Needless to say, Grice is pleased with his decision.

“This is the best coaching staff I’ve ever played for,” Grice told the ACC Network this season. “They keep you in it, regardless. They’re not going to let you stay out of the fight. We truly believe in what they have to say and what they bring to the table. It’s really nice playing for them. They make us believe that we’re never out of the fight, and that’s what we take into every game.”

Clemson had a rough stretch early on, but the Tigers stuck to their plan and it paid off. Even though Clemson lost in the regional round of the NCAA Tournament, it was still a really good first season for Bakich.