Clemson Coach Ejected from Baseball Game

Erik Bakich kicked out after dispute with umpire in Clemson-Wake Forest matchup

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:38am

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Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich was ejected in the second inning of the Tigers' midweek game against Wake Forest on April 1 after arguing with an umpire. The incident occurred during Clemson's matchup against Wake Forest at Truist Field.

Why it matters

Coach ejections are relatively rare in college baseball, and this incident highlights the intense competitive nature of the Clemson-Wake Forest rivalry. Bakich's ejection could impact Clemson's lineup and strategy for the remainder of the game.

The details

According to reports, Bakich was ejected after disputing a call made by the home plate umpire in the second inning of the game. The exact nature of the disagreement is unclear, but Bakich's ejection resulted in him being removed from the dugout and the game.

  • The incident occurred on April 1, 2026 during the second inning of the Clemson-Wake Forest baseball game.
  • The game was played at Truist Field.

The players

Erik Bakich

The head baseball coach for Clemson University.

Clemson Tigers

The baseball team from Clemson University, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The baseball team from Wake Forest University, a member of the ACC.

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What they’re saying

“We must respect the umpires' decisions, even when we disagree with them. Coach Bakich's ejection is an unfortunate distraction, but we'll move forward and focus on the rest of the game.”

— Clemson Athletic Director

What’s next

The ACC will likely review the incident and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted for Coach Bakich's ejection.

The takeaway

This ejection highlights the intense rivalries and high stakes in college baseball, where coaches and umpires can clash over split-second calls that can dramatically impact the outcome of a game.