Top Five Moments Of The Gamecocks 2021 Baseball Season

On By CPhilly19In Baseball

What a game baseball is. It’s not measured in minutes. It’s not measured in halves or quarters.

However, it’s measured by innings, pitches and the special moments that fall in between.

Today, we look back at the best moments from another special Yardcocks season.

5. Kerry’s Gem In Lexington

One thing was consistent in 2021: when the Gamecocks needed a big time outing on the bump, Brett Kerry delivered.

The right hander dazzled in his first start of the season, throwing the first complete game shutout for South Carolina in nearly a decade.

Arguably the craziest part of all? Kerry struck out 10 wimpy Wildcats in the CG effort and needed less than 100 pitches to do so.

Pure dominance.

4. Postseason Baseball Returns To Cola In Dramatic Fashion

Did this season end the way any of us wanted it to? Absolutely not.

But man, were there some fun memories along the way. And arguably none were better than just seeing postseason baseball return to Founders Park for the first time since 2016.

The dramatics. The energy. The passion. Games like we saw last weekend are WHY you come to the University of South Carolina to play baseball.

The Gamecocks game one win over the Virginia Cavaliers was as good a game as we saw all season and Saturday’s atmosphere for the Saturday night contents against ODU was ELECTRIC.

My only hope is we get to see a regional return to the Capital City sooner rather than later.

3. The Birth Of The “Rowdy Roosters”

I genuinely can’t say enough good things about South Carolina fans and their passion for Gamecocks baseball.

Watching games early in the season, something dawned on me: “our baseball hecklers need a cool nickname”.

An homage to the “World Famous Third Base Hecklers” of Sarge Frye Field, the South Carolina fanbase and student section made their presence felt all season long.

From Florida’s players to Missouri’s coaches, watching The Rowdy Roosters turn Founders Park into one of the most intimidating atmospheres in college baseball was a true pleasure.

2. Gamecocks Find Magic In The 14th

What is it about the Gamecocks and beating the Florida Gators in dramatic fashion?

The early season Friday night win was one of the most insane baseball games any of us have or will ever see on a diamond.

Down to their last strike, Andrew Eyster still hit one of the most improbable home runs you’ll ever see.

Believe me, I’m STILL shocked. That had to be the most clutch South Carolina baseball moment since JBJ against Oklahoma in 2010.

Jeff Heinrich then followed with a base knock which brought young catcher Colin Burgess to the plate.

Burgy scorched one into the right center field gap, scoring Heinrich for the win and sparking a huge series sweep over the then Top 5 ranked Gators.

A game that truly went beyond words or comprehension, it still shines bright to me as one of the most incredible baseball games I’ve ever witnessed.

1. Twice Is Nice For Eyster Against The Tigers

There’s truly nothing sweeter than taking down that team from the Upstate in the annual rivalry series.

But to do it in walkoff fashion? On back to back nights? From the SAME GUY?! That’s how legends are born.

Andrew Eyster cemented his legacy as an all time Gamecock great in late February when he did just that.

After rain pushed the originally scheduled game one to a later date in May, the Gamecocks took the series opener in Greenville, a place they’ve historically struggled of late against the Tigers.

That win was followed up by one of the most intense and best baseball games I’ve ever had the privelege of attending.

Founders Park had a Super Regional type vibe to it and you could cut the intensity with a knife as the Gamecocks looked to secure the series victory.

South Carolina baseball owning Clemson. It’s just what we do. And what a chapter to the story that was written during the 2021 season. 

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