J.L. Mann High School rising junior and 2018 Clemson baseball commitment Matthew Lumsden has spent the majority of his summer — essentially every week — on the diamond playing for the Southern Athletics 2017 youth national team.

The Clemson Insider caught up with Lumsden, who said he is enjoying his time on the field.

“It’s been great,” Lumsden said. “The team is doing really well and has had a lot of success. I’ve really enjoyed spending a lot of time with the guys, and it’s been a great summer.”

Lumsden is a versatile player who can man several different positions. Over the summer, he has played primarily first base but has also seen time in right field.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder feels good about his performance individually, as well.

“The nature of baseball is you have some good games and some bad ones, but overall it’s been going really well,” Lumsden said. “I’ve faced some phenomenal talent. I’ve seen great pitching and played against some great players. It’s really put me in the position I need to improve and become a better player for the next level.”

Lumsden is regarded as one of the best hitters in his class. As a sophomore, he hit in the mid-.300s and often delivered big hits in critical situations.

One of Lumsden’s strengths at the plate is his advanced approach.

“I would say that one of the advantages I have is finding out pitchers’ tendencies, picking up on strengths and weaknesses and what they like to go to in specific counts,” Lumsden said. “If you can figure out what they’re leaning on, it can definitely help give you the advantage throughout the at-bat.”

This summer, Lumsden has had the chance to chat with Clemson head coach Monte Lee and assistant coach Bradley LeCroy.

“I saw coach LeCroy recently down in Atlanta, and I have also seen coach Lee a couple times throughout the summer,” Lumsden said. “I’ve got to catch up with each of them briefly to see how their summers have been going and talk to them about my summer as well.”

What has been the message to Lumsden from the two coaches?

“They’ve just been telling me to keep a positive attitude, have a good approach, go out there and have fun,” Lumsden said. “Just trust myself and don’t try to overdo it.”

Looking ahead to his junior season at J.L. Mann, Lumsden’s utmost goal is to lead his team to a third consecutive appearance in the Class AAAA state championship game.

Lumsden and the Patriots lost to Wando in 2015 before falling to Summerville in 2016, which is more than enough motivation for the upcoming campaign.

“If there’s one goal, it’s definitely to make it back,” Lumsden said. “I want to try to overcome the last two losses. We lost a lot of people, so I’m going to have to step up, show a little leadership and see how some of the younger guys develop. It should be a fun season.”

Looking ahead even further, Lumsden is very excited to become a part of the Clemson baseball program.

“I’d say the thing I’m most looking forward to is being a part of the program,” Lumsden said. “A lot of people take a lot of pride in it, so I’m just looking forward to going in there, joining the program and hopefully making some people proud.”