CLEMSON – Clemson centerfielder Cam Cannarella recorded 728 at-bats over his three-year career as a Tiger.

His final trip to the plate came amid a standing ovation at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in the ninth inning of Clemson’s 16-4 loss to Kentucky Sunday in Game 5 of the Clemson Regional.

With the loss, Clemson was eliminated from the NCAA postseason and its pursuit of a College World Series berth and National Championship in Omaha. For Cannarella, likely a first-round MLB Draft pick, it marked the end of a remarkable college career.

“Very disappointed that Cam Cannarella doesn’t get to play in Omaha,” head coach Erik Bakich said after the loss. “That’s a guy that comes around once every blue moon and a special talent like that, you want to see him shining the brightest on the biggest stage, so I hate that for him.”

Though Cannarella did not get his final send-off in Omaha, the fans at Doug Kingsmore made sure the Hartsville, S.C., native knew that they were grateful for his contributions to the program.

As Cannarella’s familiar walk-up song, Let Me Clear My Throat, blared through the speakers one final time to begin the ninth inning, Clemson fans rose to their feet with cheers and applause. The moment, set to a soundtrack that had accompanied countless clutch performances, symbolized the end of an era. 

Even in the emotional weight of the moment, Cannarella drew a leadoff walk, his 52nd of the season. The fans stayed standing as he made his way to first base one last time.

“I think all of (the fans) appreciate what they’ve seen out of Cam Cannarella the last three years,” Bakich said. “They understand, some of them have been here since Coach (Bill) Wilhelm was here and they’ve seen some star players come through this program.

“They recognize that for the last three years, they’ve witnessed one of the best centerfielders in the history of college baseball, if not the best, and so I appreciate them showing their appreciation for Cam.” 

Cannarella and Bakich both arrived at Clemson ahead of the 2023 season. Since then, the Tigers have played in four postseason tournaments at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, accumulating a 133-53 record through three seasons.

Clemson is only one of three schools to host a Regional Tournament in each of these three years.

In 11 career postseason games at home, Cannarella batted .455 with 20 RBIs and five home runs, while posting a near-flawless .989 fielding percentage. Over his full career, he hit .360 with 262 hits and 159 RBIs across 178 games. He was named ACC Freshman of the Year in his first season, earned third-team All-American honors as a sophomore, and received second-team All-ACC recognition in his final season.

Years from now, Clemson fans will still associate Let Me Clear My Throat, jumping catches in centerfield, and clutch two-out hits with Cam Cannarella. For now, Bakich, teammates, and Tiger fans will wait to see what professional baseball holds for the three-year standout.

It will be a long time before postseason Cannarella is forgotten at Doug Kingsmore.