Former Clemson Tigers star catcher Cooper Ingle got honest about how the Cleveland Guardians clubhouse welcomed him.
The Cleveland Guardians called up former Clemson Tigers star Cooper Ingle to MLB on Friday, and he is already making an impact.
In 10 plate appearances, Ingle is slashing .143/.400/.143 with two RBIs, a run, three walks, and a .543 OPS.
While these aren't great numbers and the sample size is limited, Ingle's lone hit was a big one. The 24-year-old hit a 2-RBI single, which helped the Guardians secure a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.
Following his first Major League hit, Ingle spoke about Cleveland's clubhouse.
"Right away, walk in the door, and you know, Austin Hedges gives me the biggest hug anyone has given me all year," Ingle said.
Ingle had a great career over three years with the Tigers. He didn't play much in his freshman season, slashing .063/.211/.063 with three RBIs, three walks, and a .273 OPS in 20 plate appearances.
He became a star in his sophomore season, slashing .351/.449/.526 with eight home runs, 13 doubles, 44 RBIs, 52 runs, 38 walks, and a .975 OPS. Ingle followed it up by playing at a high level in his junior season, slashing .328/.417/.468 with six home runs, 16 doubles, 34 RBIs, 60 runs, and an .878 OPS.
He was a key piece for the Tigers as they finished second in the ACC with a 44-19 record. The Guardians then selected Ingle in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft.
Ingle went on to play well in the Minor Leagues across Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. In 283 games in the Minors, Ingle slashed .282/.408/.461 with 33 home runs, 74 doubles, 173 RBIs, 163 runs, and an .870 OPS. He was ranked as one of the top prospects in Cleveland's system and earned the call-up to the big leagues.
While Clemson's baseball program wasn't as competitive in 2026, finishing with a 31-26 record, they can watch their former star, Ingle, in his first season in the MLB.
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