Under the leadership of athletics director Ray Tanner and head coach Chad Holbrook, South Carolina has been one of the most dominant baseball programs in the country in recent years. The talent, once on display in Columbia, has surfaced in the majors as evidence of the program's prowess. With the regular season coming to a close, a number of former Gamecocks saw big league success in 2015. But which former Gamecocks had the best seasons?
5. Lonnie Chisenhall (2006) – RF – Cleveland Indians
Chisenhall played just one season for South Carolina after electing to go the junior college route his sophomore year, but Chisenhall had a productive 2015 season for the Cleveland Indians. While Chisenhall performed below his career levels offensively, he transformed himself into an excellent right fielder after previously playing third base.
4. Steve Pearce (2004-2005) – LF – Baltimore Orioles
Pearce left South Carolina to enter pro ball back in 2005, but he bounced around the league before breaking out in 2014 for the Orioles. Pearce failed to match that success this season, posting just a .220 batting average. Still, he is just one year removed from being among the most valuable players in the MLB by advanced metrics. He also gives the Orioles plenty of his flexibility through his defensive versatility and adds some pop to their lineup.
3. Justin Smoak (2006-2008) – 1B – Toronto Blue Jays
Smoak terrorized SEC pitching while playing under Ray Tanner, but despite his high pedigree as a prospect, Major League pitchers found ways to exploit the holes in Smoak’s long swing. Still there is plenty of thunder in Smoak’s bat, and while the switch-hitter struggles to hit for high batting averages, he has carved out a niche as a pure power bat. After signing with the Jays this winter, Smoak slugged a career-high .475 and has been an important piece in Toronto’s hunt for October.
2. Sam Dyson (2008-2010) – RHP – Texas Rangers
Dyson was an innings-eater with a blazing fastball in the Gamecock rotation during his time in Columbia. Now Dyson is flourishing in a new role as a relief ace for the Texas Rangers. Texas acquired Dyson from the Miami Marlins during the most recent trade deadline, and since then the sinker-baller has posted a 1.37 ERA with good peripherals to match it, including a 23:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
1. Jackie Bradley Jr. (2009-2011) – OF – Boston Red Sox
Perhaps the most beloved Gamecock slugger in recent memory, Bradley broke out in a big way in 2015. Since turning pro, he has showcased elite defensive skills and a cannon arm in the outfield, but at times his bat has lagged behind his glove. After a dismal 2014 season, Bradley simplified his swing and made changes to his approach at the plate, and the results speak for themselves. Bradley has reached base at a .333 rate and slugged to the tune of a .503 clip for Boston.