Erik Bakich thanks Clemson fans for creating atmosphere he will remember forever

The Clemson Regional didn’t end the way Tigers coach Erik Bakich hoped it would, but it was still a memorable weekend for the first-year head coach.

Tigers fans packed Doug Kingsmore Stadium Friday afternoon and Saturday night as Clemson faced Lipscomb and Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament.

The Clemson fanbase created an incredible environment as the No. 4 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament tried to advance to the super regionals. Bakich has been at Doug Kingsmore Stadium for numerous games as an assistant coach and head coach but no previous environment matched Saturday night’s.

“The energy in the crowd [Saturday] night, I mean that’ll be something that will just forever be burned into all of our memories,” Bakich said.

Bakich spoke with current Clemson staff member and former longtime-Clemson head coach Jack Leggett following Saturday’s game against Tennessee about the crowd.

Even Leggett, who has coached at Clemson for more than 20 years, said he had never seen Doug Kingsmore Stadium the way it was on Saturday.

“The way that the stadium was packed and 6,300-something people … it was the loudest, most into it… even coach Leggett said, he remembers there have been times where there were maybe that many people there,” Bakich explained. “But that was the most into it the crowd had ever been. And it felt like it, too.”

As Bakich said, it wasn’t just a big crowd on hand, it was also a crowd that was very into the game and made its presence known.

Bakich said before the regional that he hoped Clemson would get back to being one of the toughest places to play in the country. It’s safe to say that that is beginning to take place.

“Just the way they were with the music, just the way they were engaged. Just want to thank all the fans, all the Clemson faithful, that came out by the thousands to support us,” Bakich said.

Riley Bertram reflects on his time at Clemson

Clemson infielder Riley Bertram is one of several former Michigan players who followed head coach Erik Bakich when he took the Tigers job after the 2022 season. Reflecting on his decision after Clemson was eliminated from its NCAA baseball tournament regional over the weekend, Bertram had no regrets about his choice.

Coming to Clemson fulfilled two desires for him after a four successful years at Michigan. He got to play with top-notch talent and he got to meet new people and build new bonds with Clemson in 2023.

“Two big things for me were playing with some really elite players — Caden Grice, Cooper Ingle, Billy Amick and Cam Cannarella, can’t say enough about that kid, he’s going to do special things — and the friendships I’ve made here,” Bertram said. “Jackson Lindley, Ryan Ammons, list goes on and on. That’s what it’s really about and my circle got bigger and I couldn’t be excited that I came here and met new guys.”