Davidson, Paulsen Join Staff

CLEMSON, S.C. – Former Tigers and major leaguers Mark Davidson and Ben Paulsen were added to the baseball staff as student assistant coaches for the 2018 season, announced by head coach Monte Lee. Both players returned to Clemson to finish their degree requirements through the Tiger Trust Program.

“It’s really nice to have two former major leaguers come back to work with our team,” said Lee. “We’re very excited about having them work with our players. Both Mark and Ben will make our staff that much better.

“Coming back to get your degree is important, which both men are doing with us. What a special thing the Tiger Trust Program does. We all benefit from it.”

Davidson, father of Clemson sophomore shortstop Logan Davidson, hit .336 with eight homers, 50 RBIs, 58 runs and 18 steals in 18 attempts in his one season (1982) with the Tigers. The outfielder, who was drafted in the 11th round by the Minnesota Twins in 1982, played six seasons (413 games) in the majors, three (1986-88) with the Twins and three (1989-91) with the Houston Astros. Along with his son, Logan, Davidson and his wife, Linda, have a daughter, Taylor, who was a standout tennis player at Stanford (2013-17).

Paulsen, son of former Tiger assistant coach Tom Riginos (2003-10), was a career .318 hitter with 45 doubles, five triples, 31 homers, 130 RBIs and four steals in 182 games (170 starts) over three seasons (2007-09) at Clemson. The first baseman, who was drafted in the third round by the Colorado Rockies in 2009, played three years (2014-16) in the majors with the Rockies, hitting .271 with 16 homers and 70 RBIs in 186 games. Paulsen is engaged to Kendall Hill.