The South Carolina Gamecocks are starting a new era on the baseball diamond. Earlier this month, Gamecock athletic director Jeremiah Donati officially hired Kevin Schnall as its next head coach, following a longtime stint at Coastal Carolina.Â
On Wednesday, the Gamecocks landed a key player from the transfer portal that should give South Carolina an instant boost on offense. Gamecock Central first reported that Wake Forest shortstop JD Stein was joining South Carolina via the transfer portal.Â
Stein is a big-time prospect who just wrapped up his true freshman season at Wake Forest. He finished the season hitting an impressive .266 on the season, including 50 hits, 41 RBI and five home runs. Coming out of high school in Carmel, Indiana, Stein was rated by Perfect Game as the No. 1 rated shortstop in his home state, and the No. 5 overall prospect per his Wake Forest bio.Â
Per Gamecock Central, Stein took an official visit to South Carolina earlier this week. It likely helps that in Columbia, Stein will reunite with his former Demon Deacon hitting coach in Bill Cilento. Cilento was hired to join Kevin Schnall's coaching staff upon his hire. He is a well-respected coach across college baseball, spending the last 17 seasons at Wake Forest. His name was in the mix for a few head coach openings across his tenure, as well.Â
Given how impressive Stein played as a true freshman last season, there's no telling what he can do with a year of experience under his belt.Â
Congrats to Stein, and welcome home to Columbia!Â
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