How Clemson baseball's Jimmy Obertop's bond with coach Erik Bakich has led to a special season

CLEMSON — One of Jimmy Obertop's biggest supporters is Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich.

Bakich recruited the 6-foot-2 catcher/infielder out of Westminster Christian Academy in Chesterfield, Missouri, to play at Michigan, where Obertop made third-team All-Big Ten at first base in 2021. They reunited in 2023 via the transfer portal after Bakich became the Tigers' coach in 2022.

After Obertop's sensational series against Pittsburgh in April, where he went 7-for-14 with five home runs and seven RBIs, he and his family went out to eat in Clemson. Bakich, by chance, entered the crowded restaurant, too, noticed the Obertops and had a brief conversation with them.

"(Bakich) said, 'I'm a big Obertop family fan. I will always support Jimmy Obertop,' " Michael Obertop, Jimmy's father, said about the conversation.

That support has been massive for Obertop in 2024, helping Clemson (40-13) in its pursuit of the College World Series.

"For him to make an impact early in his career, and then for him to make an impact late in his career on this team is just a testament to who he is as a person," Bakich said. "He can change the game with one swing, but he can impact a locker room just as much with the leadership skills that he has."

Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich's influence on Jimmy Obertop

Jimmy Obertop endured his worst season statistically in 2023, hitting three homers with seven RBIs in 60 at-bats for Michigan after an elbow injury during a fall intrasquad scrimmage that limited him to 19 games. He initially entered the transfer portal when Bakich left for Clemson in June 2022 but withdrew to return to Michigan under coach Tracy Smith for his senior season.

Obertop re-entered the transfer portal following that season and rejoined Bakich for his fifth season.

"It made him appreciate Coach Bakich even more," Michael Obertop said. "He was also battling an injury, which made it more difficult, but this has been a redemption year."

Bakich has a track record of developing college athletes on the field through his caring nature, high standards and infectious personality. His relationship with Jimmy Obertop is in sync. Before Obertop takes his spot in the on deck circle, the coach often gives him a comforting gesture.

A fist pump, a few words or a simple nod instinctively inspires Obertop. That motivation has reached an apex this season.

"Coach Bakich has been the best coach I could ever play for," Obertop said. "So playing for him for three years at Michigan was awesome, and I knew he was the same guy (when I transferred), so my family and I trusted him."

Jimmy Obertop's stats, impact for Clemson baseball in 2024

The grad transfer is having his best offensive season, posting a career-high .302 batting average with 18 home runs and 47 RBIs through 50 games. He has had two multihomer games, including the three-homer outing against Pittsburgh.

"He's always been a guy (who) hits for a bunch of power, but just kind of finding how to leverage that has been where he maximized his ability this year," said assistant coach Griffin Mazur, who was Obertop's teammate with Michigan in 2021.

Obertop credits Clemson's staff for helping him "flip it on." The slugger's plate discipline has evolved and matured as he has figured out his approach in the strike zone and recognizes pitches in and out of the zone.

"That's something that he works on a bunch in the cage is just swinging at the right pitches, taking balls, taking the pitches right on the edges and swinging at pitches over the heart of the plate," Mazur said.

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How Jimmy Obertop fits with Clemson baseball

Obertop was limited to playing designated hitter last year because the elbow injury. He has come back to the field this season, sharing duties at catcher with sophomore Jacob Jarrell, or playing first base.

Obertop says the transition from Michigan to Clemson was seamless, building an immediate rapport with coaches and players. He made so much of an impact that he was voted a team co-captain in his inaugural season. Reuniting with Bakich has not only redeemed his 2023 season but put Clemson in position to host another NCAA tournament regional.

"He didn't expect to be doing another year of college, I don't think," Mazur said, "but (his injury has) been a blessing in disguise because I know that we're lucky he's able to come here and play down here."

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why Clemson baseball's Jimmy Obertop is blooming in his final season