South Carolina honors the 1975 team which became the first to earn a trip to the College World Series

**South Carolina Honors 1975 Gamecocks Baseball Team on 50th Anniversary of Historic College World Series Run**

On Friday, May 2, 2025, the University of South Carolina paid tribute to its 1975 Gamecocks baseball team, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the squad’s groundbreaking journey to the College World Series (CWS). The ceremony took place at Founders Park ahead of the Gamecocks’ matchup against Florida, celebrating the team that set a new standard for the program and laid the foundation for future success.

Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Richardson, a former New York Yankees second baseman, the 1975 Gamecocks posted an impressive 51–6–1 record. They secured the Atlantic Regional title by defeating The Citadel, Temple, and NC State, earning South Carolina its first-ever berth in the College World Series. In Omaha, the Gamecocks advanced to the championship game but fell to Texas, finishing as national runners-up.([Wikipedia][1], [Palmetto State Baseball][2], [Wikipedia][3])

The 1975 team featured standout players like pitcher Earl Bass, who achieved a remarkable 17–1 record with a 1.40 ERA, and first baseman Hank Small, who batted .390 with 19 home runs and 66 RBIs. Both Bass and Small received All-American honors for their exceptional performances. Additionally, players such as Steve Cook and Mark Van Bever were named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team, highlighting the depth of talent on the roster.([Palmetto State Baseball][2], [Wikipedia][4])

The pregame ceremony at Founders Park included the introduction of surviving members of the 1975 team, who were met with a standing ovation from fans. The tribute served not only as a celebration of their achievements but also as a reminder of the program’s rich history and enduring legacy.

The 1975 Gamecocks’ success marked a turning point for South Carolina baseball, signaling the program’s emergence as a national contender. Their journey to the College World Series laid the groundwork for future accomplishments, including multiple CWS appearances and national championships in 2010 and 2011.([Wikipedia][1])

As the university honored the 1975 team, it also recognized the lasting impact of their historic season, which continues to inspire current and future generations of Gamecock athletes.

Dawn Staley has built a reputation for producing elite-level talent, and her former players are proving it at the next level.

One of her newest WNBA products, Te-Hina Paopao, was drafted sixth in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft and is already making waves for the Atlanta Dream.

Coming off the bench for the Atlanta Dream, Paopao delivered a near-flawless outing in an 89–56 win over the Washington Mystics.

She dropped 16 points and five assists to finish as the second-leading scorer for the Dream. Even more impressive? She did it while shooting six-of-eight from the field and four-of-six from beyond the arc—a clinic in efficiency.

Paopao is starting to find her footing in the league.

If she keeps performing like this, a consistent spot in the starting lineup may not be far off.

After all, she’s no stranger to leading a winning program.

As a starter for the South Carolina Gamecocks under Staley, Paopao helped secure an NCAA championship—and now she’s bringing that same fire and playmaking ability to the pros.