Clemson Baseball: Bakich announces support staff

Clemson Baseball head coach Erik Bakich officially announced his complete support staff on Thursday afternoon.

As expected, both Ben Paulsen and Brad Owens were retained from the previous staff.

Owens, who has been at Clemson for 15 season, retains his Director of Operations position, but adds the additional role as Chief of Staff and Paulsen will remain the Director of Player Development.

Former Tiger Phil Pohl has joined the staff as Director of Scouting and Player Personnel.

Paulsen hit .318 at Clemson in 182 games from 2007 to 2009 and played three seasons in the Major Leagues with the Colorado Rockies, batting  .271 with 16 home runs over 186 games and is now in his fifth season as part of the Clemson baseball staff.

Owens attended Anderson University where he graduated from in 2006 and has a master’s degree from Clemson.

Pohl lettered four times at Clemson from 2009-2012 and was a twice named a team captain, hit .286 in his career and was a two-time Academic All-American.

After making it to AAA, Pohl became the A’s bullpen catcher for six seasons before becoming the manager of the A’s High Class A affiliate in 2022.

These are interesting moves for Bakich as when change at the top happens many believe that there should be a complete house cleaning and fresh start, but Bakich opted for a mixed approach, bringing his top assistant, Nick Schnabel and recruiting coordinator from Michigan along with former Florida State pitching coach Jimmy Belanger, but opting to retain Owens and Paulsen and hiring former Tiger Pohl.

Clemson baseball head coach Erik Bakich has blended new and familiar faces, with former players and longtime staffers in building his complete support staff

It’s a blend that should serve the Tiger program well heading into the future, marrying fresh ideas and and recruiting with Tiger tradition and family atmosphere.

With the exception of athletic trainer Kimberley Hill who will be in her first season at Clemson the additional baseball support staff have long tenures with the Tigers.

The additional staff are: Athletic Trainer: Kimberley Hill (1st season), Strength & Conditioning Coach: Rick Franzblau (9th season, Director of Equipment: Mike Wilson (13th season), Director of Athletic Academic Services: Lindsey Ricketts (11th season), Administrative Coordinator: Roberta Balliet (22nd season), Director of Communications: Brian Hennessy (22nd season).