The Coastal Plains Baseball league was home to nine Clemson players from the end of May to the month of August, some of which even played on the same team. Sophomores Robert Jolly, K.J. Bryant, and Alex Eubanks took their talents to Asheboro, N.C. for the summer to play for the Wilson Tobs, and although their season is over, Jolly is thankful to have had an unforgettable experience.

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience that not many people get to enjoy,” said Jolly. “It’s something that I’m very thankful for.”

Jolly’s experience with the team included moving in with a retired Marine who graciously opened his home to Jolly and Eubanks, both South Carolina natives, for the summer months.

“It was really cool to hear his life story and get to know him,” said Jolly. “His son and his grandkids live down the street so we got to hang out with them and play with them on off days.”

Jolly was one of two catchers on the Tobs’ roster this summer, and he started in all but one of the 40 games he appeared in. Wilson went 23-32 this summer, which means that from May 26 to Aug. 3, The Tobs played 55 games.

“You play a lot more games, and it’s an every day thing,” said Jolly.

The intensity of the schedule was a lot different from the regular collegiate season, but it gave Jolly an idea of what it would be like to play pro baseball in the minor leagues.

“It was a different experience, but it was also a really good eye-opener to what’s out there in relation to minor league ball,” said Jolly.

The Clemson catcher also believes the nature of the schedule helped prepare him for the 2016 baseball season because he had to focus harder on improving every day.

“You’ve got to come prepared every single day, and you have to prepare differently before games because those are your practices,” he said. “It ultimately prepared me for the collegiate season, being able to catch every single day.”

Throughout the season, Jolly racked up 151 putouts and ended the season with a .988 fielding percentage. He also had 16 assists and two double plays.

“Probably the biggest benefit is getting to play every single day. You get to learn a lot about yourself as a player,” he said. “I got to catch a lot, and I got to learn what kind of catcher I am.”

Jolly also led the team in walks per at bat. His .406 on base percentage ranked him in the top five on the team, as he was walked 32 times. The catcher said his patience was one of his strengths as a hitter and that he put an emphasis on having good at-bats this summer.

Playing in this summer league has been a great experience for Jolly, and he looks forward to seeing what he can do in the 2016 season. He also looks forward to working with new Clemson coach Monte Lee. Jolly knew Lee from the recruiting process at the College of Charleston, but he is looking forward to the energy he is bringing to Clemson’s program.

“I got to welcome him into the family and reach out to him,” said Jolly. “I’m really excited about him. I know how good of a person he is.”

The 2016 baseball season will be different with a whole new coaching staff, but Jolly is enthusiastic about what Lee and pitching coach Andrew See have to bring to the table.

“I just know that they’re going to bring a lot of excitement and a lot of energy,” Jolly said. “I’m excited for it. I’m ready to learn new things and see what he has to offer.”

For Jolly, Eubanks, and Bryant, their time playing with the Wilson Tobs is over, but their experience playing in the Coastal Plains League has left them prepared and excited to get back to work with their fellow Tigers to focus on the 2016 baseball season.

“We have a special bond on this baseball team,” said Jolly. “I’m ready to get out there and see what we can do.”