Buscher to coach Heathwood baseball program

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School has hired former South Carolina player and coach Brian Buscher as its baseball coach.

Buscher played for USC on the 2002 and 2003 College World Series teams, earning Rookie of the Year honors in ‘02 and being named an All-American and team captain the following year.

Before being drafted in the third round by the San Francisco Giants in 2003, Buscher led the Gamecocks in nearly every offensive category as well as theSEC in batting, with a .394 average. After playing professionally with both the Giants and Minnesota Twins, Buscher returned to South Carolina and joined the Gamecocks to serve as a bench coach, working with infielders and hitters on both National Championship winning Gamecock teams in 2010 and 2011. Highlander Athletic Director Jeff Whalen expressed excitement in being able to hire someone with Brian’s background.

“He has played at the major league and collegiate levels, has coached as an undergraduate assistant for the Gamecocks and has a great love for the game and how it is supposed to be played,: Whalen said. “With Brian’s enthusiasm, strong work ethic and experience, our athletes will encounter a coach that fits well with the Heathwood mission.”

Buscher said, “I'm looking forward to an exciting and fun year with a talented group of young men. I hope that I can be a positive influence, bring out the best in the players and help them improve at the game of baseball.”

This story was originally published August 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM with the headline "Buscher to coach Heathwood baseball program."