Even though the season has come to an end for Gamecock baseball, speculation continues to swirl around the team, prompting Gamecock standout INF/OF Ethan Petry to send a cryptic message out via social media.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Petry broke his silence with a message that stated: "Don't always be quick to believe what you read and stay being positive," offering a bit of perspective on the turbulent offseason.
Petry had been a fan favorite among Gamecock Nation and has earned respect as a staple in South Carolina baseball. Petry has cemented himself as one of the most explosive hitters in college baseball over the past few years. As a true freshman, he turned heads with a .376 batting average, 55 runs, 23 homeruns, 10 doubles, and 75 RBIs, shattering school records for home runs and RBIs for a first-year player. His record-breaking inaugural season immediately established him as one of the faces of the program.
Petry followed up with a strong 2024 campaign as well, hitting .306 with 21 homeruns, eight doubles, 53 RBIs, and a team-high of 51 walks, while staring 61 games. His outstanding performance helped guide South Carolina into the postseason.
The 2025 season, however, was a struggle both for Petry and the team. Petry only played in 44 games due to injury, and the team finished just under .500 (28-29), bowing out of the SEC Tournament after falling to Florida. Despite the challenging season, Petry remained in the spotlight, batting .321 with 10 homeruns and 34 RBIs before being benched.
As questions about the team and the coach loom, Petry's recent statement on social media seem to signal his commitment to supporting the program, even as his fans wait on his decision on whether he will return for another year or declare for the 2025 MLB Draft.