Note: The following appears in the Miami (Fla.) football digital gameday guide, available HERE.
In the summer of 1991, a 37-year-old man who had been a head coach at the Division I level for the previous 14 seasons took a leap of faith. He decided to venture to Tigertown to become the assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator under Head Coach Bill Wilhelm.
After two seasons under the legendary coach’s watch, Wilhelm abruptly retired in the summer of 1993. It was now time for the 39-year-old to take the reins of one of the nation’s most successful programs.
The rest, as they say, is history for Jack Leggett.
- Guided Clemson to the College World Series six times, including three Final Four finishes (1996, 2002, 2010).
- Inducted into the ABCA National Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Inducted into the state of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.
- Named ACC Coach-of-the-Year in 1994, 1995 and 2006.
- Seventh-winningest head coach in Division I history at the end of the 2015 season, as he had 1,332 wins in 36 combined seasons at Vermont, Western Carolina and Clemson.
- Currently tied for 13th in NCAA Division I history in career wins.
- Posted a 955-480-1 record at Clemson in 22 seasons (1994-15), second in Clemson history in wins to Wilhelm.
- Averaged 43.4 wins per year, first in Clemson history and seventh in the nation during that time period.
- Coached Clemson to nine super regional appearances between 1999 and 2010, the era that format was first conducted in the NCAA Tournament.
- Led Clemson to the NCAA Tournament 21 of his 22 seasons.
- Never had a losing record.
- Coached nine first-round draft picks and 34 players who went on to play in the major leagues.
- Mentored 31 players to First-Team All-ACC seasons, 34 players to All-America seasons and 114 players who signed professional contracts during his 22 seasons.
- Had his #7 retired by the Clemson baseball program in 2023.
On June 17, 2026, another accolade was added to Leggett’s mantle when he was elected to join the Clemson Ring of Honor, the highest award bestowed by the Tiger athletic department. Recipients must have made an outstanding contribution to the heritage of Clemson athletics, must be a member of the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame and must be a graduate of a four-year institution.
Leggett did those and much more.
When the Tiger football team plays Miami (Fla.) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, the Clemson Family will honor Leggett’s legacy and the countless lives he affected in a positive way. His passion for people and love of “doing things the right way” helped mold Clemson into a blue-collar, gritty, no-nonsense program, much like his predecessor’s.
"Being inducted into the Clemson Ring of Honor is a tremendous honor for me and my family," said Leggett. "It is a true reflection of the support of my family, the many hard-working and competitive players, loyal assistant coaches, passionate fans, the many supportive administrators, staff and friends and great coaches in the department that I was lucky enough to work alongside during my years at Clemson.
"I’m honored to be representing the Clemson athletic department and our storied baseball program. This is one more of the many great moments and memories that we’ve shared together."
Leggett is just the third person to be inducted into the Clemson Baseball Ring of Honor. He joins former three-time All-American Rusty Adkins and Wilhelm.
As someone who has been affiliated with and around the program since the fall of 1995, I was able to see first-hand the way he related to and respected people. I will always remember his appreciation for those around him, which was evident in many ways, including when he would always take time to get to know and speak with the janitors in Jervey Athletic Center late at night during their rounds. He also enjoyed and cherished his relationships with other coaches in the athletic department as well.
But above all else, the one trait I will always remember him for is his loyalty. No matter the circumstance or adversity, he never wavered. Those trying times didn’t matter.
The hundreds of people who have come through the program owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to the South Burlington, Vt. native.
Enjoy the moment, “7”!