Gamecocks add second piece to 2018 class this week
South Carolina baseball picked up its second addition to the 2018 class Wednesday morning when catcher Wes Clarke announced his commitment via Twitter.
Clarke catches for Liberty Christian Academy (Lynchburg, Va.) and plays summer baseball for the Evoshield Canes. He’s ranked the No. 73 overall catcher in the class by Perfect Game.
He first garnered interest from the coaching staff and recruiting coordinator Sammy Esposito about a month ago, and they came to watch a few showcases and tournaments he played in over the summer.
After that, he was invited on a visit. He took a trip to Columbia Monday, the coaches offered him on the visit and the rest is history.
“I had a lot of visits strung together in one weekend,” Clarke said. “I had three in one weekend, but when I went to South Carolina every little detail stood out a little bit more, the coaches stood out a little bit more. Obviously the offer was the best one, and you just couldn’t turn it down.”
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Clarke toured East Carolina, NC State along with South Carolina but said none compared to what the Gamecocks offered.
“They told me a day in the life of a baseball player,” he said. “I met with all the academic advisers and showed me everything and told me you’ll be living life here playing baseball. It’s great.”
Clarke’s the second piece to the 2018 class added this week, committing one day after pitcher Daniel Lloyd committed Tuesday night. Clarke’s also the second catcher of the class, joining Charlie Welch (Clearwater Central Catholic/ Fla.).
The coaches talked to him about coming in with another catcher, saying it’s beneficial to have multiple options. Clarke also said they talked about him playing first somewhat or batting as a designated hitter.
“They said it makes sense because when you’re playing four or five games in a week, obviously one catcher can’t do it all,” he said. “So you’re going to need one or two catchers, maybe three.”
“When I hit, I have the mindset that I’m the best player on the field. Obviously I don’t carry that over because that’s cocky, but when I’m hitting it gets me in the zone and makes me confident when I hit the ball.”
According to MaxPreps, Clarke hit .427 for Liberty Christian last season with 25 RBIs. He said his hitting is one part of his game he loves, and he needs to work on blocking as a catcher.
His pledge, he said is completely solid saying, “a commitment’s a commitment.”
The Gamecocks also picked up a commitment from 2019 middle infielder Brodie Blanton this afternoon.
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