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Clemson Opens Season Against 'Greatest Leadership Academy On Planet'
Tigers to host Army in three-game series to kick off 2026 baseball season
Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:55am
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Clemson's baseball team is set to open the 2026 season by hosting Army in a three-game series, honoring the military and its values. Head coach Erik Bakich, whose family has deep military ties, has made it a priority to recognize veterans at every home game and sees the Army matchup as a perfect opportunity to celebrate the academy's role in producing future service members.
Why it matters
Clemson takes great pride in its military heritage and core value of patriotism, so hosting Army to start the season aligns with the university's commitment to honoring the armed forces. The series also provides a challenging early-season test for the Tigers against a program known for its disciplined, competitive play.
The details
Clemson will host Army in a three-game series starting on February 13, 2026. Head coach Erik Bakich, whose father served in Vietnam and grandfather in World War II, has made it a priority to recognize veterans at every home game, including players coming out of the dugout in the middle of the fourth inning to shake hands with attending service members. The Tigers will look to continue this tradition and find additional ways to celebrate Army's role as 'the greatest leadership academy on the planet'.
- The three-game series against Army is set to begin on February 13, 2026.
- Clemson players come out of the dugout in the middle of the fourth inning of every home game to shake hands with veterans in attendance.
The players
Erik Bakich
Clemson's head baseball coach, whose family has deep military ties, has made it a priority to honor the armed forces during his tenure.
Army
Clemson's opponent to open the 2026 season, known as 'the greatest leadership academy on the planet' for its role in producing future service members.
What they’re saying
“We actually had this on the schedule before we had the Bananas on the schedule, before we got the idea about going into the crowd during the fourth inning to salue the veterans.”
— Erik Bakich, Clemson Head Coach
“I would say it was perfect timing to play arguably the greatest leadership academy on the planet that is producing future war-fighters of our country. We'll honor and celebrate them and do it in a way off the field, outside the lines, before the game starts.”
— Erik Bakich, Clemson Head Coach
What’s next
Clemson will look to continue its tradition of honoring the military throughout the three-game series against Army, which is set to begin on February 13, 2026.
The takeaway
Clemson's commitment to its military heritage and core value of patriotism is exemplified by its decision to open the 2026 baseball season against Army, one of the nation's premier leadership academies. This series provides an opportunity for the Tigers to celebrate the armed forces while also facing a challenging early-season test on the diamond.
