South Carolina high on Talmadge LeCroy at catcher but still unsure who will back him up
Paul Mainieri always had his concerns about South Carolina’s catching situation ever since he started to put together his 2025 roster. He knew what he’d be losing with two-year starter Cole Messina forgoing his senior season and moving into pro ball.
On the eve of Opening Day, the day that Mainieri admits is still worrisome because of the unknown, he feels better about where things stand at catcher. It’s still a work in progress, though. But he likes what he has with Talmadge LeCroy entering the season as his starting backstop.
“Talmadge clearly has the upper hand in a sense that he’s just a leader and an experienced guy,” Mainieri said on what earned LeCroy the starting job. “He plays with such energy and enthusiasm. I know maybe that sounds strange for you to hear me say that about LeCroy but this catching position has really rejuvenated him. And he’s become a real leader of our team. I think he’s going to do a fine job.”
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After going through some struggles as South Carolina’s starting third baseman in 2024, LeCroy switched back to his original position at catcher, per Mainieri’s request. Since the summer, the senior has mostly been catching, with some time at first base mixed in. But he’s now a full-time catcher, a position he was recruited to play coming out of high school and saw action at during his first two seasons with the Gamecocks.
Since the fall, LeCroy’s improvements have been drastic. At the plate, he’s been one of the team’s top hitters. In the three-week buildup to Opening Day, LeCroy led the team in hitting with a .500 batting average, along with two homers and seven RBI. Behind the plate, pitchers have been happy with his work as a receiver.
“I think he caught my first year here and he was one of the best defensively back there. And so I’ve known that. Coach Mainieri and a lot of guys that weren’t here didn’t know that,” said Dylan Eskew, who will be starting on the mound on Friday. “So he kind of had to prove himself and I think the fall he had, especially defensively. I think his offensive numbers speak for themselves. I think he’s hitting over .400 in the fall and spring scrimmages. But I think defensively he’s going to be one of the best in the country out there.”
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Mainieri said LeCroy will catch the first two games against Sacred Heart this weekend. As for who catches the series finale, that remains to be an unknown. With how close it’s been between Ryan Bakes and Max Kaufer, Mainieri is still deciding who the backup will be.
“It’s almost too close to call,” he said. “I thought Kaufer in the fall was not a very strong hitter. He came back this spring and made a lot of adjustments with his swing, and he’s not an automatic out any longer. … He’s become a little bit of a force at the plate.
“(Kaufer) probably throws a little bit better than Ryan Bakes. And Ryan Bakes is probably a better receiver than Max. So I’m really not sure yet who’s going to catch the third game. It’s going to be a work in progress as we go.”
South Carolina opens the regular season on Friday afternoon at Founders Park against Sacred Heart. First pitch is at 4 p.m. on SEC Network Plus.
