'It wasn't a hard decision for me': Beau Hollins on why South Carolina
South Carolina freshman first baseman Beau Hollins comes from a long line of great athletes, especially Gamecocks. Hollins’ father Dave and his uncle Paul both wore the Garnet and Black uniform during their college years.
In fact, college athletics runs all throughout the Hollins family. Beau is the youngest of five with his older brother playing college baseball at St. Bonaventure and three sisters all playing collegiate tennis.
But for Beau Hollins, his journey to South Carolina baseball started with a family move to Lexington, South Carolina.
[Get USC Gamecocks app notifications]
“I was originally from Buffalo, New York so I moved down here about five years ago. This was my dream school so I always wanted to be here,” Hollins said during a Jan 7. edition of the Gamecock Club Hour on 107.5 The Game. “Carry on that legacy, wear the same uniform that my dad and uncle did. I love it here, and I’m excited to be here and get things rolling.”
Aside from his family ties, South Carolina stuck out to Hollins for many reasons. One such reason is the unmatched fan support and atmosphere at Founders Park.
“I knew a lot of the players on the team and just hearing feedback from them was awesome. Then obviously I think we have one of the best, if not the best fanbase and stadium in the country. So that really sparked my eye,” Hollins explained. It’s about 20 minutes from home, it’s not a bad choice. I love the colors. That Garnet, there’s nothing like it. It wasn’t a hard decision for me.”
Top 10
- 1New
LSU-OU WBB fight
Multiple ejections after dust up
- 2Hot
Pearl needles Alabama
Auburn coach had to say it
- 3
Cam Newton
Arch Manning, Saban to Cowboys
- 4
Arch Manning NIL
Texas QB signs with Red Bull
- 5
ACC, ESPN extension
New deal reached through 2036
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
For Hollins, choosing South Carolina wasn’t the difficult decision. When given the opportunity to forgo the college experience altogether in favor of the MLB Draft, the decision got harder.
[Join GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days]
“It was a fun little journey out of high school,” Hollins said during his Gamecock Club Hour feature. “I went to the combine earlier in the year, and it was a lot of fun. [I] got to experience it with all the talented players in the country. I just kind of let it fall in God’s hands and trusted his plan because I didn’t really know where I was going at that time. But I could tell you now that I’m here, I don’t think I would’ve taken 3 million dollars to go play professional ball. I love it here.”
Hollins’ brother Bubba was in the Miami Marlins organization for five seasons, and his father played in the Major Leagues for 12 years. But for Beau, there was no pressure to rush to the professional game.
“I’m thankful to have my father and brother, people who have been there already. They were giving me feedback throughout my whole journey, what they thought was best. But they also let me choose for myself. They say college was the best time times of their life; they wish they can go back.”
