Video of the Clemson baseball team honoring military veterans with a “tear-jerking” mid-game tribute has been widely celebrated across social media.
For good reason!
The team has begun a tradition in which the PA announcer asks veterans to stand at some point during the game. After doing so, players then navigate the crowd and shake hands with them, thanking these men and women for their service.
Head coach Erik Bakich recently told Fox & Friends that his players understand the importance of honoring those who have served this nation.
“Our players just understand they get to play baseball in a free country, and that wouldn’t be possible without those servicemen and women who protect and defend that freedom,” he explained.
The ACC Network posted a video of the tradition on TikTok. Players honored veterans in the fourth inning of their recent victory over Winthrop.
@accnetwork The #Clemson players paid tribute by walking into the stands to shake hands and honor those who served 🤝 #baseball #USA #respect ♬ original sound – ACCNetwork
Clemson With The ‘Tear-Jerking’ Moment Honoring Veterans
Does it get any better than this? College kids honoring veterans at Clemson, all while Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” booms over the in-stadium speaker system.
Incidentally, if you want to get your patriotic blood flowing, listen to Greenwood’s new rock version of his legendary hit.
Bakich explained in his interview that some veterans get emotional over the Clemson baseball team’s tribute, especially those who aren’t used to being received positively.
“I think there’s been some tear-jerking moments for some of them, especially those who maybe haven’t always received the warmest welcome,” Bakich said. “But to know in our program and at our games, they’re going to be recognized like they should.”
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Team’s Patriotism Goes Beyond This Touching Tribute
Bakich also noted that his Clemson team doesn’t limit their love of country to these mid-game tributes to veterans. It also involves simple things – like respect for the national anthem.
“We’ve always practiced how we stand for the national anthem,” he said. “This is just a way to thank our veterans and those who protect and defend our freedom even at a deeper level of gratitude.”
“It’s just such a great way to teach those life lessons and make it more about God and country, as much as it is about playing sports.”
Bakich is the son of a Vietnam veteran and the grandson of a World War II veteran. But, he adds, it’s the players who have taken this initiative.
“All the credit goes to the players,” he said.
“They’re the ones out there competing, and we’ve got a great group of guys, evidenced by their willingness to go into the crowd during a game, which many players might not want to do.”
Young men leading by example, honoring previous generations who led by example to help mold the greatest nation on Earth. Kudos, Clemson boys.
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