South Carolina Honors Ray Tanner by Naming Baseball Field After the Legendary AD and Coach

Starting in the 2025 season, South Carolina’s baseball team will play on “Ray Tanner Field,” named in honor of the two-time College World Series-winning coach and outgoing athletic director. The announcement was made on Friday, marking a tribute to Tanner’s enduring legacy at the university.

Although the stadium’s name will remain Founders Park, following an extended naming rights agreement with Founders Federal Credit Union through 2035, the field itself will bear Tanner’s name in recognition of his impact on the Gamecocks program. A group of Gamecock donors contributed $2.5 million to secure this honor for Tanner, who announced last month that he would step down as athletic director after a 12-year tenure, pending the appointment of his successor.

Tanner served as South Carolina’s head baseball coach from 1997 to 2012, leading the team to six College World Series appearances and national titles in 2010 and 2011. Following a national runner-up finish in 2012, he transitioned to the role of athletic director. Reflecting on the recognition, Tanner expressed gratitude, stating, “This is a tremendous gesture from my friends and donors. I am grateful for their commitment to this project.”

In his final year as AD, Tanner appointed former LSU national championship coach Paul Manieri as head coach, succeeding Mark Kingston.

The university plans to hold a field dedication ceremony to mark the occasion when South Carolina’s baseball season begins in February.