In the shortened MLB 2021 draft, veteran South Carolina slugger Andrew Eyster was not selected despite being the team's leading batter in 2021, and it's leading batter 2 of the 3 seasons he's been with the program, after transferring to Columbia after one season at Santa Fe Junior College. As a result, and with the NCAA affording all collegiate players an extra year of playing eligibility due to the pandemic, Eyster has chosen to return to play one more season in the Garnet and Black:
Eyster hit .279 overall last season - .303 in SEC play - was 3rd on the team with 11 homeruns, 2nd with 42 RBI, and 3rd in on-base percentage at .371. Despite leading the team in batting, the .279 average was Andrew's lowest as a Gamecock - he hit .309 in 2019, and was 3rd in batting at .305 in the covid-shortened 2020 season. Overall Eyster has 25 homeruns, 24 doubles, and 86 RBI as a Gamecock.
With the news that pitcher Julian Bosnic is also returning for 2022, the addition of a veteran bat who always has his best baseball for conference competition - and especially for our heated in-state non-conference rivals - for 2022 will only further assist our team for next season.....
Eyster hit .279 overall last season - .303 in SEC play - was 3rd on the team with 11 homeruns, 2nd with 42 RBI, and 3rd in on-base percentage at .371. Despite leading the team in batting, the .279 average was Andrew's lowest as a Gamecock - he hit .309 in 2019, and was 3rd in batting at .305 in the covid-shortened 2020 season. Overall Eyster has 25 homeruns, 24 doubles, and 86 RBI as a Gamecock.
With the news that pitcher Julian Bosnic is also returning for 2022, the addition of a veteran bat who always has his best baseball for conference competition - and especially for our heated in-state non-conference rivals - for 2022 will only further assist our team for next season.....