Erik Bakich Says Size Matters: Clemson’s Head Coach Seeks More Power in the Lineup
CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson baseball head coach Erik Bakich isn’t mincing words this spring.
“We’re just not big enough,” Bakich said after a midweek loss to Georgia. “Not strong enough, not physical enough in key spots. That has to change.”
Now in his second full season leading the Tigers, Bakich has shown signs of turning the program into a gritty, high-energy contender. But behind closed doors, he’s growing increasingly frustrated with one glaring issue—his lineup’s lack of physical presence, particularly at the corners and in the heart of the order.
“We’ve got guys with tools, we’ve got guys who can run,” Bakich explained. “But when you look at the elite teams—Arkansas, LSU, Florida—they’re rolling out 6’3”, 220-pound dudes who can hit a ball 430 feet and turn a double play without blinking. We need more of that.”
Bakich has made a career of maximizing potential—he led Michigan to the College World Series final in 2019 with a balanced mix of speed, pitching, and timely hitting. But even in that run, his team had the brawn to match the brains. And he’s come to believe that in the ultra-competitive world of ACC baseball, having pure power in the lineup is no longer optional—it’s essential.
It’s not that Clemson lacks talent. Sophomore infielder Drew Vance has been a bright spot, batting .314 with surprising pop for his frame. And junior outfielder Kade Turner leads the team with nine homers. But Bakich wants more size, more strength, and more intimidation when his team steps into the box.
“We have to stop relying on perfect swings and start trusting that raw, physical strength can change a game with one swing,” he said. “That means rethinking who we recruit and how we train.”
To that end, Bakich and his staff have already shifted their portal strategy, targeting players with size and SEC-level muscle. Word around the program is that Clemson has made early contact with at least three Division I sluggers who stand 6’4” or taller, all with 15+ home runs last season. The Tigers are also expected to bring in a pair of JUCO corner infielders known for their exit velocity and frame.
“We’re not trying to build a home run derby team,” assistant coach Nick Schnabel added, “but we need guys who can punish mistakes and give us presence in the lineup. Teams need to feel us when we come to the plate.”
In the weight room, the message has also changed. Clemson’s strength and conditioning program has shifted its offseason focus to adding functional mass. Players are seeing more Olympic lifts, more power metrics, and individualized nutrition plans with one goal: build big, strong, fast athletes who can play 60+ games and still hit with authority in May.
As Bakich puts it: “We’re not recruiting bodybuilders—but we’re not building contact hitters who get overpowered in the eighth inning either.”
Clemson baseball is evolving, and if Bakich has his way, the Tigers will soon roar with more muscle than ever before.
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