Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich has decided to retain two members of Monte Lee’s staff, Director of Baseball Operations Brad Owens and Director of Player Development Ben Paulsen.
The news was greeted with applause from Clemson baseball fans who’ve seen the work, dedication and class in which they represent Clemson.
Brad Owens and Ben Paulsen both have extensive experience with the Clemson program which will assist in a smooth transition
That was not lost on Bakich.
"“Meeting with them, it was clear within the first seven seconds that these guys need to stay on staff. They’re very good at what they do,” Bakich said."
Bakich sees Owens as much more than your typical operations honk.
"“His responsibilities extend so much beyond what you would think of in an operations type role. He does so much more than just team logistics,” he said. “This is someone who is connected to everyone in the administration and on campus. He is an administrator. He has that type of personality. It was very clear right away that he is so valuable to our team and to our staff and to our program.”"
Paulsen, of course, starred for the Tigers 2007-2009, where he hit .318 with 31 home runs and 130 RBI over three seasons, before being drafted in the third round (90th overall) by the Colorado Rockies and played parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball for the team (2014-2016) and ended his career with a .271 average with 16 home runs and 70 RBI in 480 at-bats.
For Bakich, Paulsen is someone who can turn complex terms into words the players can understand and put to use.
"“His ability to decipher complex terms in player development and put them into a very simple way for the players to digest is just a skill that not everybody has,” Bakich said."