What is Schnall Ball? New South Carolina baseball coach explains offensive approach
“Schnall Ball” is a catch phrase that was on display Friday and fans were even given T-Shirts with on it as they entered Founders Park to welcome new South Carolina baseball coach Kevin Schnall.
But what exactly is Schnall Ball?
Is it an offense that is reliant on bunting and stealing bases, something that Coastal Carolina did well in Schnall’s two years? Not necessarily.
Schnall discussed his offensive approach during his opening press conference and gave fans a glimpse what to expect during his first year as Gamecocks coach.
“The name of the game is to score runs. We want to have guys who are obsessed with getting to first base,” Schnall said. “We want to have guys who can steal bases, who can run from first to third. We want to have guys who can score from first on doubles and have guys that can slug.
“We want to have guys that can hit the ball out of the ballpark. Our goal is to put together an offense that is dynamic and diverse.”
Schnall’s 2025 Coastal squad was one of best in the country in getting on base by any means necessary. The Chanticleers were hit by pitch an NCAA record 179 times and also led the Sun Belt by stealing 109 bases. This year’s CCU team stole 113 basses, which ranked third in the Sun Belt.
By contrast, South Carolina stole 89 bases combined over the past two seasons.
Schnall’s CCU teams weren’t devoid of power either. The Chanticleers hit 129 home runs over the past two seasons.
Schnall is bringing in longtime Wake Forest assistant coach Bill Cilento as the Gamecocks’ new hitting coach. This was seen as a big hire because of Cilento’s proven track record — the Demon Deacons have thrived in his 17 seasons there.
Wake has ranked in the top 50 nationally in homers in nine of the past 10 seasons and among the nation’s top teams in doubles, walks and on-base percentage.
“Well, it’s gonna be a perfect marriage, just like I have right here with my wife of 17 years,” Schnall said of Cilento. “Ultimately, the offensive philosophy is, we want to have an offense that can beat you in multiple ways. We want to have the most dynamic offense in the entire country.”
Schnall’s offense and coaching approach also will heavily lean on analytics, something that’s more common in the game in recent years. The analytics approach uses data, statistical models and a variety of technology to evaluate performance and formulate in-game strategy.
Former coach Paul Mainieri’s use or non-use of analytics came under fire during his short tenure as head coach. That won’t be the case with Schnall, who is bringing Matt Pepin in to be his director of analytics and general manager.
“We’re going to utilize that information from a development standpoint. We will use analytics at a very high level,” Schnall said.
