Gamecock baseball picks up 2017 commitment

Gamecock baseball’s 2017 recruiting class is one pitcher stronger.

Mid-Carolina left hander Corey Stone committed via Twitter Wednesday, putting the total number of 2017 commitments at 17.

The rising senior visited campus today and committed soon after he left, saying the Gamecocks were the "best fit" for him.

Stone becomes the ninth pitcher in the class to verbally commit, joining Bryce Huelett, Chase Williamson and Tyler Mettetal as the only other lefties.

“I knew there was no place I'd rather be and no coaches I'd rather play for,” he said.

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Stone, who said he was receiving attention from many schools, turned down offers from Presbyterian, College of Charleston and Charleston Southern to play for South Carolina, saying the biggest factors were “the facilities and especially the coaches. They made me truly enjoy being there.”

The dual-sport athlete (football and baseball) said he hopes to make an impact right away, any way he can.

“I just see myself fitting in on the mound whenever the coaches need me too,” Stone said. “I can't wait to get there and get after it with my teammates.”

Stone (6-foot-2, 175 pounds) is currently not ranked by PerfectGame.com

Stone went 5-2 this season for Mid-Carolina with 49 strikeouts, according to the High School Sports Report and was key in getting the Rebels to the district championship game.

He was also part of the Chapin-Newberry Legion baseball team that won a national title last summer. Stone is the first commitment after the Gamecocks were eliminated from the NCAA Baseball Tournament.

Stone has one more season of high school baseball remaining before coming to Carolina, where he has high hopes upon arrival.

I hope to get my education and get the chance to play at the professional level,” he said “I'm looking forward to getting after it with my teammates and making a run for Omaha and to win it all.”

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