Clarence Coker

A stellar high school and college career on the baseball diamond has earned Clarence Coker a spot in the Clarendon County Athletic Hall of Fame.

“I’m honored to say the least,” said Coker. “It’s humbling to know I’m going in with these people.”

Coker began his athletic career at East Clarendon High School.

He was a three-sport athlete - football, basketball and baseball.

He was a fullback in football and in the fall of 1954, he scored the only touchdown to defeat Manning for the first time in ECHS history.

Despite having a small frame at 5’11” and 190 lbs, he was named most valuable player in the three sports in 1955.

Despite success in all sports, it was in baseball that Coker found his calling.

He played baseball at ECHS under legendary coach and fellow Hall inductee Shad Hall.

“Shad was a great man and coach,” he said. “He taught me a lot about the game.”

Throughout his career at East Clarendon, Coker played American Legion Baseball. He played in Olanta for three years and one in Sumter.

Coker said one of his greatest achievements and memories of playing in the American Legion was when he and his Sumter team defeated the powerful Garco Junior team in 1954.

He was a 15-year-old player who showcased his ability and willingness to do what it took to win.

Coker had been hitting .424 entering the game and put his team ahead in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run shot that easily cleared the right field barrier.

Garco fought back and retook the lead but Coker was not finished yet.

He put Sumter back in front at 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning.

He was walked and was safe at second base on an errant force out and later scored on a line drive on the left field line. On his next at bat, Coker was intentionally walked.

“That was an amazing time,” he said. “We happened to play well.”

Coker graduated from East Clarendon in 1955 and received a football and baseball scholarship to Clemson College.

“That was a pretty high honor for me,” he said. “Somebody thought something good of me.”

Coker took advantage of the opportunities and immediately began playing both sports. He played football, but ultimately gave it up after an injury and he also wanted to devote all of his time to baseball and legendary coach Bill Wilhelm.

“He was a heck of a coach,” said Coker.

Coker had played catcher in high school and American Legion. He did the same at Clemson.

He also had his share of success while in college.

In 1958 and 1959, his Clemson team was the NCAA District Five Champions and earned trips to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.

In the series, his teams were defeated. Coker said that was some of the most fun and exciting times he remembers.