Clemson lands former Furman pitcher
Rob Hughes, a 6’3”, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, has committed to finish his college baseball career at Clemson after the Furman Paladins shutdown their baseball program recently due to funding issues caused by the COVID-19 virus.
Hughes posted to his Instagram account, “Following the removal of the Furman baseball program, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be continuing my academic and athletic career at Clemson University. #gotigs”
http://instagr.am/p/CAyGDzBlE5e
During his freshman season in a matchup between Furman and Clemson, Hughes struck out seven Tigers while pitching 3.1 innings and giving up just one hit.
Hughes, a native of Rock Hill, SC, played high school baseball at Northwestern and was named to the 2019 Southern Conference All-Freshman Team.
Other notes from his bio on FurmanPaladins.com
2019 — Fashioned a solid freshman campaign, contributing as both a reliever and starter...named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team...made 21 appearances and posted a 5-2 record with 4.43 ERA and two saves...five wins tied for staff lead, as did two saves...was superb early on, not surrendering an earned run in his first eight appearances (15.0 IP, 4 H, 5 BB, 22 K) — all in relief...stretch included a notable outing in a 3-1 loss to Clemson (3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, season high 7 K)...earned his first career save (2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 K) against Morehead State (16-11 win)...collected his first win (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K) in a 6-5 victory versus Appalachian State and followed that up two days later by earning the win (1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K) against Ohio State (11-10, 10-inning win)...pitched brilliantly in his starting debut (ND/6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K) at College of Charleston (2-0 loss)...made three more starts, collecting the win (5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K) in a 20-6 triumph over The Citadel...returned to the bullpen for his final nine appearances...awarded the save (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K) in 7-4 victory over South Carolina in Columbia...final two wins came over Mercer (3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K) and Western Carolina (2.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K), both in Greenville.
High School: 2018 graduate of Northwestern (5A) High School...baseball coach was Mitch Walters...pitched and also played shortstop and first base during his prep tenure, where he was a teammate of outfielder and fellow Paladin teammate Jordan Starkes...two-time all-state pick...posted an 8-1 record with a 1.30 ERA as a senior in helping key Northwestern to a 24-4 record and region title...worked 72.0 innings and went 11-1 with 0.50 his junior year while keying his squad to region and state championships, finishing 29-4...fashioned a 5-0 record with four saves as a sophomore...ranked by PG as the No. 6 right-handed pitcher and 15th best overall pitcher in South Carolina...played travel ball with the SBA Marucci 2018 Donathan and Carolina Reds...earned 2017 WWBA 2018 Grads or 17U National Championship All-Tournament honors.
Personal: Full name is Robert B. Hughes...born January 7, 2001, in Gastonia, North Carolina...son of Rhonda and John Hughes...father played golf at North Carolina (1981-84), where he was named ACC Player of the Year and was a two-time All-America selection.