The rivalry between Florida and Clemson in baseball is a longstanding and intense one, with both teams having a rich history of success in the sport. The Florida Gators and the Clemson Tigers have been competing against each other for decades, with their matchups often having significant implications for the college baseball landscape. The Gators, who compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the Tigers, who are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), have developed a fierce rivalry that is fueled by their consistent excellence on the diamond.
Historical Context
The first meeting between Florida and Clemson on the baseball field dates back to 1957, with the Gators winning the initial matchup. Since then, the two teams have played each other numerous times, with their series often being closely contested and highly competitive. The Gators have historically held a slight edge in the all-time series, but the Tigers have had their share of successes, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s when they were a dominant force in college baseball. The rivalry has been marked by several memorable games, including a 2017 matchup in which the Gators came from behind to win 5-4 in extra innings.
Recent Matchups
In recent years, the series between Florida and Clemson has continued to be highly competitive, with both teams often being ranked among the top programs in the country. In 2020, the Gators and Tigers were scheduled to meet in a three-game series at Clemson’s Doug Kingsmore Stadium, but the series was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two teams did meet in 2022, with the Gators taking two out of three games in a series played at Florida’s Condron Family Ballpark. The series was marked by strong pitching performances from both teams, with the Gators’ hurting the Tigers with several home runs in the final game of the series.
| Year | Series Winner | Series Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Florida | 2-1 |
| 2019 | Clemson | 2-1 |
| 2018 | Florida | 3-0 |
Postseason History
Both Florida and Clemson have a rich history of success in the postseason, with the Gators having won several national championships and the Tigers having made numerous appearances in the College World Series. The two teams have met in the postseason on several occasions, including in 2016 when the Gators defeated the Tigers in a Super Regional series to advance to the College World Series. The Gators went on to win the national championship that year, defeating LSU in the championship series.
NCAA Tournament Performance
The Gators and Tigers have both been consistent performers in the NCAA Tournament, with both teams often being selected as national seeds. In 2022, the Gators were selected as the No. 2 national seed, while the Tigers were selected as the No. 3 national seed in the Clemson Regional. The Gators advanced to the Super Regionals, where they were defeated by the Texas Longhorns.
- Florida: 12 College World Series appearances, 7 national championships
- Clemson: 12 College World Series appearances, 0 national championships
What is the all-time series record between Florida and Clemson?
+The Florida Gators lead the all-time series against the Clemson Tigers with a record of 73-64-1.
Have Florida and Clemson ever met in the College World Series?
+Yes, the Gators and Tigers have met in the College World Series on several occasions, including in 2006 and 2016.
The rivalry between Florida and Clemson in baseball is one of the most intense and competitive in the sport, with both teams having a rich history of success and a strong desire to come out on top. As the two teams continue to compete against each other, fans can expect to see closely contested and highly entertaining matchups that showcase the best of college baseball.
