The Clemson University baseball team has introduced a powerful new tradition this season that goes beyond typical military appreciation at sporting events, with players leaving the field to personally thank veterans in attendance during the game.
During the fourth inning of home games, the public address announcer asks all veterans to stand for recognition.
What follows sets Clemson apart: as Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” plays through the stadium speakers, the entire team leaves the dugout and moves into the stands to shake hands with those who served.
“Our players just understand they get to play baseball in a free country, and that wouldn’t be possible without those servicemen and women who protect and defend that freedom,” head coach Erik Bakich said on “Fox & Friends First” Tuesday.
The personal interactions have created memorable moments for veterans, particularly those who may have faced difficult homecomings in the past.
“I think there’s been some tear-jerking moments for some of them, especially those who maybe haven’t always received the warmest welcome,” Bakich said. “But to know in our program and at our games, they’re going to be recognized like they should.”
Footage from a recent home game against North Carolina A&T showed the entire team spread throughout the stands, taking time to individually thank veterans while the patriotic anthem played in the background.
Between innings, the Clemson baseball PA announcer asked all veterans to please rise. The team then emptied out of the dugout and went into the stands to shake hands and thank each and every veteran in attendance pic.twitter.com/YMrgh596bU
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) February 26, 2025
For Bakich, whose father served in Vietnam and grandfather in World War II, the tribute carries personal significance and serves a broader educational purpose for his players.
“We’ve always practiced how we stand for the national anthem,” he said. “This is just a way to thank our veterans and those who protect and defend our freedom even at a deeper level of gratitude.”
The coach believes these experiences build character that translates beyond baseball.
“It’s just such a great way to teach those life lessons and make it more about God and country, as much as it is about playing sports.”
Clemson University has long emphasized patriotic displays at sporting events, with Bakich noting the program has focused on proper national anthem respect for two decades.
“For two minutes to be able to show that appreciation, show that gratitude and respect, there’s just not a better way to do it at a sporting event,” Bakich said.