A conversation with Michael Sharman
Since the close of the season, Coach Erik Bakich has made no secret of his intent to bring elite-level arms into Clemson’s pitching stable through the transfer portal. On June 28, he delivered once again.
Michael Sharman, a seasoned left-hander out of Tennessee, is the latest addition to the Tigers’ arsenal. Though he posted a 3–1 record primarily in relief, Sharman brings SEC pedigree and a versatile mentality that will serve the program well.
Following his commitment, I caught up with Sharman to discuss his recruitment process and vision for the upcoming season — and it quickly became evident that Clemson didn’t just land a transfer; they landed their guy.
“Coach Schnabel reached out to me first via email then I talked to Erik on the phone later that night. They reached out about 45 minutes after I entered the portal,” Sharman shared, underscoring just how quickly Clemson made its intentions known.
Sharman is entering this next chapter with a clear mindset and defined goals. “My personal goals this season is to contribute as much as I can on and off the field to Clemson. I want to be a starter but I can relieve too if I need to.”
That flexibility, combined with high-level experience in the nation’s toughest conference, gives Sharman a unique edge. “I think I bring a lot of experience which is valuable in my opinion as an older guy,” he said, confidently embracing his veteran status.
While Sharman isn’t deeply connected to the current Clemson roster, there is a familiar face waiting for him in the clubhouse. “I know and played with Ryan Wideman who’s also committed to Clemson but I don’t know anyone on the current roster.”
As for what he brings between the lines, Sharman made it plain. “My best pitch is my changeup,” he said — a weapon that SEC hitters have already learned to respect.
He also left Tiger Nation with a message sure to resonate: “My message to Clemson fans is that you’re getting an extremely hard worker who’s gonna put the team first and someone who wants to win more than everything.”
Coach Erik Bakich wanted elite arms — and in Michael Sharman, he’s added a proven one with SEC seasoning, starter potential, and a relentless drive to win. Clemson fans should get ready for a lefty with both the fire and the finesse to make a real impact.
