Clate Schmidt was not going to lie. He was a little selfish. He wanted to be the pitcher of record when Monte Lee won his first game as Clemson’s new baseball coach. But, at the same time, he wanted his team to beat Maine in Friday’s season-opener and he wanted his teammate Charlie Barnes to get the win.

Though Barnes pitched well enough to win the game, it did not pan out for him or the Tigers as the Black Bears took the opening game in the three-game series.

So Saturday was set up for Schmidt, and he got what he wanted. The senior pitched five strong innings, in Clemson’s 9-4 victory over Maine, giving Lee his first victory as the Tigers’ new skipper.

“I was kind of being selfish about it because I wanted to be the first guy to be able to give him a win in his long career here,” Schmidt said afterwards.

Who can blame Schmidt for wanting to be a part of it? It is something that will be logged forever in Clemson history.

Lee will always know it. He says he plans to have the box score and the dugout chart framed and placed with all of his other important victories in his coaching career.

“I have always done that throughout my career. I have quite a few of them,” Lee said. “There are a lot of memorable games. I will definitely keep the dugout chart and the box score today.”

What makes Lee’s win even more memorable is the fact Schmidt was on the mound in the first place. Just over eight months ago he was fighting for his life as he battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma. On Saturday he was fighting for Monte Lee to win his first game.

“It was a lot of fun to watch Clate Schmidt today. What a road it has been for him after last year. He had a life-changing experience and he means so much to our team,” Lee said. “To see him get out there and get the first win of the season for us was just a lot of fun for me and I know it was a lot of fun for him.

“I’m just very, very proud of him. It was awesome to have my first win as a head coach here at Clemson, and have it with Clate Schmidt on the mound. It was a special moment for me and I know it was a special moment for him.”

What also made Lee’s first win special was what happened after it. Former Clemson head coach Jack Leggett, who was let go at Clemson last June, came down out of the stands and personally congratulated Lee on his first win as the Tigers’ head coach.

“Jack Leggett is a classy guy. He does everything the right way. He is extremely professional and that’s why he is so respected in the baseball world because of how much of a class act he is,” Lee said. “For him to be here the first two games and support the team says a lot about him. I love the fact that he came up and just congratulated me.

“It may be a small thing in his eyes, but it is a big thing to me. Again, I just really respect that about him. He is just a class act.”

Leggett is just another part of what will make Lee’s first win at Clemson a keepsake with all his postseason wins and wins over ranked opponents from his time at the College of Charleston.

“This is one that I obviously will keep,” he said smiling.

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.