Doug Hogan to Return for Senior Season at Clemson

June 15, 2007

Catcher Doug Hogan announced Friday that he will return to Clemson for his senior season. The Columbia, SC native hit .350 with 15 doubles, three triples, 13 homers, and 46 RBIs in 63 games (62 starts) in his first season as a starter in 2007. Hogan, one of 11 Tigers selected in the 2007 draft, was taken in the 16th round by the Cleveland Indians last week, but he elected to return for his fifth season. Hogan red-shirted in 2004 after a standout career at Irmo High School.

“I have a lot of respect for the Indians’ organization and all that they offered me,” said Hogan. “It was a difficult decision, but my heart is here at Clemson right now. It will be my last chance to play college ball, and it’s something that I could not pass up. I am on schedule to graduate next academic year with a degree in financial management, and I’m looking forward to being a leader on the 2008 team.”

Hogan had the two longest hitting streaks on the team in 2007, including a 13-game hitting streak in March. He then ended the year on a 15-game hitting streak and will carry that streak into the 2008 season. Hogan also had a .410 on-base percentage, .607 slugging percentage, and nine stolen bases in 2007.

Hogan carried the Tigers early in the 2007 season, solidifying a position that was filled by Adrian Casanova for the previous two years. His three-run homer in the 10th inning at Virginia Tech on April 8 lifted Clemson to a 5-2 victory. On April 27 against #19 Georgia Tech, he was again a hero in extra innings. He hit a walkoff homer off Matt Wieters (#5 overall pick of the 2007 draft) in the 11th inning to give Clemson a 3-2 win. Those are the only two extra-inning home runs by a Tiger since 2004.

Hogan was a big reason the Tigers advanced to a super regional in 2007. In five NCAA Tournament games, he was 12-for-20 (.600) with four runs scored, two doubles, a triple, two homers, and five RBIs. His .600 batting average in the tourney was the best mark by a Tiger in a single NCAA Tournament in history.

“We’re very excited that Doug decided to return for his senior season,” said Head Coach Jack Leggett. “He was so valuable as a player and leader on the 2007 team, and to have him back next year is a huge lift. Doug is loyal, tremendously hard-working, and will be the leader of next year’s team. His priorities have always been in order, and he is a great example of what you can accomplish when you have the dedication and desire it takes to win.”

Hogan entered 2007 just 6-for-46 (.130) in his first two active seasons in the program, but had one of the best seasons by a Tiger catcher in history. Hogan’s brother (Patrick) played five seasons (2000-04) in a Tiger uniform as well, as he also red-shirted in his first season at Clemson. Patrick had an 8-8 record, 4.22 ERA, and 18 saves in 190.0 innings pitched during his four seasons. Hogan’s return for 2008 means that there will be a Hogan in the Clemson baseball program for nine consecutive seasons (2000-08).