Cade Klubnik threw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Clemson baseball’s matchup with Georgia on April 22 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
For a moment, it looked like Clemson’s quarterback had traded football for baseball. While Klubnik never played organized baseball in high school, his first throw was brimming with confidence. Before walking off the field, he shared a hug with coach Erik Bakich, who later recalled a hilarious interaction.
Coach Said What? Erik Bakich’s Hilarious Moment Before Cade Klubnik’s First Pitch
In the top of the fourth inning, Clemson’s quarterback joined the ESPNU broadcast. He mentioned he had “a little bit” of baseball experience.
He went on to say he gave it up when he was young, realizing he was better suited for more fast-paced sports. When asked whether his first pitch was a strike, he smiled and didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. Absolutely, it was,” said the quarterback.
He shared another hug with Bakich on his way off the field. The coach later said he already knew about Klubnik’s appearance before the game.
Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich says Tigers QB Cade Klubnik DMed him on Instagram about throwing out the first pitch tonight. Bakich’s response: “Hell yeah, sounds great … But check with Coach Swinney.” Says that Klubnik threw a “perfect strike” pic.twitter.com/tmcqyZnnmI
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) April 23, 2025
Cade had sent him a message on Instagram saying he’d be throwing the first pitch.
“Hell yeah, sounds great … but check with Coach Swinney,” Bakich responded.
Reflecting on the moment, Bakich said Klubnik threw “a perfect strike.” Now, having wrapped up his final spring practice of his college career, Cade is enjoying some well-earned time off.
In football, Clemson didn’t fare as well against Georgia last season, falling 34-3 in Week 1. But with a 3-0 win on the baseball diamond, the Tigers got a bit of revenge.
Cade Klubnik on the Transfer Portal’s Impact
The quarterback gave a measured but candid response when asked about the transfer portal’s effect on college football.
“Being able to stay here for three years has been a huge blessing. Just seeing a lot of you guys I played with in Elite 11 … I’ve seen some of those guys at three or four different schools now,” Klubnik said.
In an era where the transfer portal is often compared to free agency, Klubnik stands out for sticking with his commitment.
KEEP READING: Clemson Tigers Latest Transfer Portal Additions
He remains one of the few quarterbacks who hasn’t transferred, and that loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed at Clemson.
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