Jan. 25, 2007

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Russell Triplett, a former standout on the Clemson University baseball team and player in the New York Mets farm system, has been named assistant baseball coach at USC Upstate, announced Head Coach Matt Fincher.

Triplett will work with the infielders and hitters and coordinate the recruiting efforts for the Spartans.

"I am excited to have Russell on our staff," said Fincher. "He has a tremendous background in baseball and will be able to help us in many different ways. He will bring a wealth of knowledge which will allow him to instruct effectively. I look forward to him being a big part of this program and having an immediate impact."

Triplett came to Upstate from Clemson University where he served on the Tiger coaching staff since the summer of 2005. He was responsible for working with the hitters and infielders, as well as serving as the first base coach. He was part of the coaching staff that led the Tigers to an appearance in the 2006 College World Series in Omaha, Neb., claimed the Regional and Super Regional Championships, and won the regular season and ACC Tournament titles. He also coordinated the hiring of the winter and summer baseball camp staff and assisted with the organization of the camps.

In addition to his experience working at Clemson, Triplett has served as a professional baseball instructor at the Blue Chip Baseball Academy.

Triplett was a standout player and four-time letterman at Clemson from 2000-04, earning his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. He served as a Team Captain his junior and senior seasons. He red-shirted his first year at Clemson in 2000 and played in 37 games as a freshman in 2001. He had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2002, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors as a utility player. He hit .301 in 58 games and helped lead the Tigers to an appearance in the College World Series and a third-place finish in the nation.

Triplett took over the reigns at shortstop as a junior in 2003, earning his second consecutive Second-Team All-ACC selection. He hit .335 with seven home runs, 32 RBIs, and a .414 on-base percentage. He hit .304 with 17 doubles, four home runs, and 41 RBIs as a senior in 2004 and was the only Tiger to play in and start all 65 games.

For his career, Triplett played in 222 games and hit .312 en route to leading the Tigers to four NCAA Regional appearances, two NCAA Super Regional appearances, and an appearance in the 2002 College World Series.

Triplett played in the New York Mets organization in 2004 and 2005. After playing for the Kingport Mets (Rookie League) and Brooklyn Cyclones (Short Season A) in 2004, he was promoted to Single-A Hagerstown to start the 2005 season. He moved up to Double-A Binghamton during the summer of 2005. He hit a combined .286 with 15 doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBIs with Hagerstown and Binghamton.

The West Columbia, S.C., native was a four-year standout and letterman at Brookland-Cayce High School. He was named the High School Sports Report 3A State Player of the Year and the region Player of the Year as a junior in 1998 in leading his squad to the 3A state championship. He was also a standout quarterback on the football team.