South Carolina loses veteran catcher to transfer portal
South Carolina is losing two-year starting catcher Colin Burgess to the transfer portal, a team spokesman confirmed Thursday.
The news was first reported by The Big Spur. Burgess’ decision comes after four Gamecocks entered the portal shortly after USC’s one-and-done showing in the SEC tournament in Hoover, Alabama.
A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Burgess started playing with the Gamecocks during their COVID-shortened 2020 season and established himself as a starter the next season, starting 96 games between the last two years. He’s a career .231 hitter for the Gamecocks with nine home runs and a .342 career on-base percentage.
Like many catchers, much of Burgess’ value came behind the dish, where he served as a steady and reliable target for a young, injury-riddled pitching staff. His loss is a blow to the Gamecocks, but still one they should be able to absorb.
USC brought in two freshman catchers this season in Talmadge LeCroy and Cole Messina, and both players received a fair amount of playing time in Year 1. Though neither played regularly at catcher with Burgess already entrenched, LeCroy started 27 games in various positions and hit .253, while Messina appeared in 17 games, primarily as a DH or pinch-hitter. The Gamecocks will also add A.C. Flora catcher Zander Buchan, an incoming signee.
The Gamecocks (27-28, 13-17 SEC) are looking to retool after missing the NCAA tournament this season. Despite rumors of a possible coaching change, The State confirmed Mark Kingston will remain at the helm for next season.
