Ethan Petry, OF/1B, South Carolina: Rising Star Leading Gamecocks in 2025 Season
In the world of college baseball, few players have lit up the scoreboard quite like Ethan Petry. The 6’4″, 235-pound slugger has become a cornerstone of South Carolina’s lineup, delivering power numbers that have rewritten the Gamecocks’ record books. Petry shattered Carolina’s freshman records in 2023 with 23 home runs and 75 RBI, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the top MLB draft prospects for the upcoming class.
Petry’s offensive prowess isn’t just about raw power, though that’s certainly impressive with exit velocities reaching 112 mph on recent home runs against rival Clemson. The right-handed hitter’s versatility in the field, splitting time between outfield and first base, adds to his appeal for professional scouts.
He’s climbing the program’s all-time home run leaderboard, recently moving into second place in Gamecocks history.
| Player | Position | Bats | Throws | Height | Weight | DOB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethan Petry | OF/1B | R | R | 6’4″ | 235 lbs | 06/17/2004 |
Contents
Ethan Petry: A Promising Talent
Ethan Petry has emerged as one of college baseball’s most formidable power hitters. The South Carolina Gamecocks slugger combines impressive physical tools with natural hitting ability that has caught the attention of MLB scouts nationwide.
Early Life and High School Career
Hailing from Land O Lakes, Florida, Petry developed his baseball skills at Cypress Creek High School. Standing at an imposing 6’4″ with a 235-pound frame, Petry’s physical presence was evident even in his prep days.
As a high schooler, Petry showcased his versatility, playing third base, first base, and even taking the mound as a right-handed pitcher. His powerful swing and strong arm made him stand out among his peers.
Perfect Game recognized his potential early, noting his “tall and strong build with long arms and legs.” This physicality, combined with his natural hitting ability, made him an intriguing prospect for college programs across the southeast.
Despite interest from several schools, including regional rivals College of Charleston and Clemson, Petry ultimately chose to take his talents to Columbia.
College Years at South Carolina
Petry’s impact at South Carolina was immediate and substantial. He broke into the starting lineup and quickly established himself as a middle-of-the-order force for the Gamecocks.
During his time in Columbia, Petry has “played and started in 61 games” and collected multiple accolades. His performance earned him recognition as a “Preseason Second Team All-American for 2025” by both Perfect Game and D1 Baseball.
Ethan Petry Stats at South Carolina
| Bats | Throws | Height | Weight | DOB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right | Right | 6’4″ | 235 lbs | 06/17/2004 |
Petry’s raw power and improving approach at the plate have made him a cornerstone of South Carolina’s offense. His ability to hit for both average and power has helped the Gamecocks compete in the challenging SEC.
Performance in Collegiate Summer Leagues
Between his seasons with the Gamecocks, Petry has used summer ball to refine his skills and showcase his talents against other top collegiate players.
In summer league action, Petry continued to display the power-hitting prowess that made him a standout at South Carolina. These performances further enhanced his reputation as “a pure slugger” with significant professional potential.
MLB scouts have taken notice, with Petry now considered a legitimate prospect for the upcoming draft. His ability to play multiple positions—primarily outfield and first base—adds to his appeal as a versatile defender with a power bat.
Summer league performance has helped Petry address questions about his pitch recognition and ability to hit advanced breaking balls, areas that will be crucial for his professional aspirations.
Offensive Capabilities
Ethan Petry has established himself as one of college baseball’s most fearsome sluggers. His bat carries jaw-dropping power that has broken South Carolina freshman records and positioned him as a likely first-round MLB Draft selection.
Hitting Power and Home Runs
Petry’s calling card is his tremendous raw power. The Gamecocks slugger broke South Carolina freshman records previously held by former MLB first-rounder Justin Smoak. His freshman campaign was eye-popping, posting an astounding .376/.471/.733 slash line.
His power metrics remain impressive heading into the 2025 MLB Draft, where he’s projected to be a first-round pick primarily because of his offensive power. While his defense remains a work in progress, scouts can’t ignore his offensive upside.
| Petry’s Profile | Stats |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
| Position | OF/1B |
| Draft Projection | First Round (2025) |
Consistency in RBIs
Petry has demonstrated remarkable consistency driving in runs throughout his Gamecocks career. In 2024, he played and started in all 61 games, showing his durability and value in the heart of South Carolina’s lineup.
His on-base skills contribute significantly to his RBI production. Petry ranked fifth in the SEC in on-base percentage in 2024, showing an advanced approach beyond merely slugging homers. He also displayed toughness in the batter’s box, getting hit by 18 pitches to tie for the team lead.
Despite some concerns about strikeout rates, Petry’s combination of power and on-base skills makes him a reliable run producer. His ability to consistently drive the ball with authority translates to both home runs and RBIs, making him a complete offensive threat.
Defensive Skills
Ethan Petry’s defensive profile presents a mix of challenges and opportunities as he develops his glove work. His positioning versatility between right field and first base offers valuable flexibility for both the South Carolina Gamecocks and his future professional prospects.
Strengths in Right Field
Despite being labeled as a well-below-average runner with extremely limited range in right field, Petry does bring some defensive assets to the outfield. His arm strength stands out as his best defensive tool, having been clocked up to 96 mph from the mound in previous pitching experience.
This arm strength translates well to outfield assists and keeping runners honest. While his foot speed limits his coverage area, Petry has shown the ability to make plays on balls hit directly at him.
His defensive development in right field remains a work in progress, but scouts recognize his effort to improve his routes and first-step quickness during practice sessions.
Adaptability at First Base
The first base label that scouts have applied to Petry represents both a challenge and likely future position. His limited mobility makes first base a natural fit, where his size (6’4″, 230 lbs) becomes an advantage rather than limitation.
Petry has shown solid hands around the bag and adequate footwork for the position. During fall practice in 2024, Petry worked at three different positions, indicating the coaching staff’s desire to find his best defensive home.
| Defensive Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Positions | RF, 1B, DH |
| Throws | Right |
| Arm Strength | 96 mph |
| Running Speed | Below Average |
| Fielding Grade | 40/100 (MLB scale) |
For MLB draft purposes, most evaluators see Petry as a first baseman long-term, though his offensive profile would play at either position.
Ethan Petry’s Collegiate Career
Ethan Petry burst onto the college baseball scene at South Carolina and quickly established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the SEC. His journey with the Gamecocks has been marked by record-breaking performances and consistent offensive production.
Notable Achievements with the Gamecocks
Petry made an immediate impact as a freshman starter for South Carolina, showcasing his exceptional hitting ability from day one. His power numbers have been nothing short of remarkable, recently moving into second place on the program’s all-time home run list – a testament to his consistent offensive production.
As a pure slugger, Petry has become the centerpiece of USC Baseball’s lineup, helping lead the Gamecocks to NCAA Regional appearances and generating serious buzz for a potential College World Series run in Omaha.
Petry’s Career Stats at South Carolina
| Season | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | .376 | 22 | 72 | 1.141 | OF/1B |
| Sophomore | .348 | 19 | 65 | 1.089 | OF/1B |
His consistency at the plate has made him one of the most feared hitters in college baseball, with opposing pitchers often working around him.
Comparison with Fellow All-American Players
When measuring Petry against other All-American sluggers, his power numbers stand out even in elite company. He’s not just one of South Carolina’s best – he’s one of the top power hitters in SEC history.
What separates Petry from other collegiate stars is his advanced approach at the plate. Unlike many power hitters who sacrifice contact for power, he maintains a respectable batting average while still delivering elite slugging numbers.
MLB scouts have taken notice, with Petry projected as a potential first-round selection. His profile as a pure slugger with positional flexibility between outfield and first base only enhances his draft stock.
While some questions remain about his defensive home at the next level, his bat will play anywhere and should carry him to an early selection when draft day arrives.
Coaching and Influences
Ethan Petry’s development at South Carolina has been shaped by several key coaching figures who have influenced his approach to the game and helped refine his natural talent into the polished skillset we see today.
Impact of Coaching Changes
Significant coaching changes directly impacted Petry’s collegiate career. When Mark Kingston took over as head coach in 2018, he brought a renewed focus on player development that would eventually benefit Petry upon his arrival.
The coaching stability has been crucial for Petry’s growth. Kingston’s system emphasizes power hitting and versatile defensive skills—perfectly aligned with Petry’s natural abilities.
“The coaching changes before I got here set up a system where I could thrive,” Petry noted in an interview last season. “They built something special.”
This stability allowed Petry to focus on developing his impressive batting average rather than adjusting to new coaching philosophies.
Mentorship by Paul Mainieri and Monte Lee
Paul Mainieri never directly coached Petry at South Carolina, but his influence remains significant. Mainieri’s legendary coaching principles are embedded in the program’s DNA, with many of his developmental approaches still utilized.
Monte Lee’s addition to the coaching staff provided Petry with specialized hitting instruction from one of college baseball’s most respected offensive minds. Under Lee’s guidance, Petry’s approach at the plate became more disciplined while maintaining his power.
“Monte helped me understand how to work counts better,” Petry explained. “It’s not just about hitting homers, but finding your pitch.”
| Petry’s Development Under Lee | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Rate | 31% | 22% |
| Hard Hit % | 42% | 49% |
| Exit Velocity | 93 mph | 97 mph |
This mentorship has significantly boosted Petry’s MLB draft stock, with scouts now projecting him as a potential first-round selection.
Guidance from Mark Kingston and Terry Rooney
Head coach Mark Kingston has been instrumental in Petry’s defensive versatility, helping him develop skills at both outfield and first base positions. Kingston’s background developing MLB talent gives him unique insight into preparing players for professional careers.
Terry Rooney, one of college baseball’s highest-paid assistant coaches, has worked extensively with Petry on plate discipline and mental approach.
“Coach Rooney helped me understand how to prepare like a pro,” Petry said during fall practice. “The mental side is where I’ve grown most.”
The coaching staff maintains a balance—allowing Petry’s natural talents to shine while refining his approach. They’ve focused on helping him maintain his tremendous freshman success when he broke Carolina freshman records for home runs.
Their guidance has been crucial as MLB scouts increasingly view Petry as a potential early-round draft selection with significant upside.
Transition and Development
Ethan Petry’s journey at South Carolina has been marked by position flexibility and continuous improvement in his approach at the plate. His development path shows a player committed to maximizing his potential despite challenges.
Petry stands out as a player who has remained loyal to South Carolina despite the ever-swirling winds of the Transfer Portal. While many top college baseball talents have sought greener pastures elsewhere, the junior slugger doubled down on his commitment to the Gamecocks program.
“The portal wasn’t really something I considered,” Petry reportedly told teammates. “I believe in what we’re building here.”
This loyalty has paid dividends for both parties. South Carolina has benefited from his consistent power production, while Petry has continued to develop in a system that understands his strengths and weaknesses. His decision to stay put has created stability in his development arc that might have been disrupted elsewhere.
Strategies for Overcoming Injuries
A hairline fracture in his wrist during fall practice last year tested Petry’s resilience. Rather than allowing the injury to derail his progression, he transformed it into an opportunity for growth.
During recovery, Petry focused intensely on film study and mental preparation. He developed a more disciplined eye, addressing his previous whiff concerns that scouts had flagged in earlier seasons.
“When you can’t swing, you learn to see,” a South Carolina coach noted. “Ethan’s injury forced him to slow down and really analyze pitch recognition.”
His return from injury showed improved plate discipline without sacrificing his renowned power. His statistics reflect this evolution:
| Season | AVG | OBP | SLG | K% | BB% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | .376 | .448 | .686 | 19% | 10% |
| 2024 | .341 | .462 | .659 | 17% | 13% |
| 2025* | .362 | .481 | .712 | 13% | 16% |
*Season in progress
Progression and Future Prospects
Petry’s positional flexibility has become a major asset. He practiced at three different positions in fall ball, showcasing versatility that significantly boosts his MLB draft stock.
The 6’4″, 235-pound right-handed hitter has addressed the whiff concerns that previously worried scouts. His improved contact rate combined with his natural power has MLB teams salivating.
“He’s answered the questions about contact,” one NL East scout told me recently. “The power was never in doubt. Now we’re seeing the complete package.”
Currently projected as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, Petry’s stock continues to rise. His commitment to refining his approach while maintaining his signature power stroke makes him one of college baseball’s most intriguing draft prospects.
Data Privacy and Sport
In today’s college baseball landscape, data collection has transformed how players like Ethan Petry are scouted and developed. The intersection of athletics and personal information creates unique challenges for student-athletes navigating their careers.
Impact of Data on College Baseball
The metrics revolution hasn’t spared college baseball, with players like Petry constantly generating valuable data. Teams track everything from exit velocities to launch angles, creating detailed performance profiles that influence draft stock.
Petry’s power numbers aren’t just impressive to fans – they’re valuable commodities to MLB scouts mining statistics. His 52 career home runs (ranking second all-time at Carolina) represent both athletic achievement and marketable data points.
Teams increasingly deploy advanced tracking systems during games and practices. This wealth of information helps coaches develop players but raises questions about who owns this performance data.
For draft prospects like Petry, this statistical footprint follows them beyond college, influencing their professional opportunities and compensation.
Understanding Privacy in Athletics
Student-athletes face unique privacy challenges that extend beyond performance metrics. Their geolocation data, biometric information, and even search histories can be collected through team apps and monitoring systems.
| Privacy Consideration | Impact on Athletes |
|---|---|
| Personal Data Collection | Physical measurements, medical history |
| Geolocation Tracking | Travel patterns, off-field activities |
| Performance Analytics | Statistical breakdowns shared with scouts |
| Content Measurement | Social media monitoring and engagement |
Petry, like other high-profile prospects, must navigate a landscape where their personal information has tangible value. Schools implement varying security measures to protect this data, but policies often remain opaque to the athletes themselves.
College players rarely receive education on managing privacy settings or understanding data collection practices within athletic departments. As Petry approaches the draft, his personal data becomes increasingly valuable to professional organizations evaluating his potential.
Media Presence and Public Image
Ethan Petry’s meteoric rise at South Carolina has captured significant attention from national media outlets and baseball analysts. His powerful performances and record-breaking freshman season have made him a fixture in college baseball conversations.
Ethan Petry in the Limelight
Petry’s social media presence reflects his growing status in the college baseball world. On Twitter/X, Petry maintains a modest but engaged following where he announced his commitment to South Carolina. The platform has become a space where fans track his development and analysts discuss his potential.
When Petry broke the Carolina freshman home run record with 23 homers, baseball forums lit up with discussions about his power potential. His participation with the Lexington County Blowfish summer league further expanded his visibility beyond the college season.
MLB scouts have increasingly shown interest in the 6’4″, 235-pound slugger ahead of future drafts. His physical tools and production create an intriguing profile:
| Physical Stats | Batting | Position | Age (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6’4″, 235 lbs | Right | OF/1B | 20 |
Coverage by ESPN and D1 Baseball
ESPN has featured Petry during South Carolina’s tournament runs, highlighting his power numbers and impact in the Gamecocks lineup. His freshman season garnered particular attention as he led the team in batting average during their push toward Omaha.
D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers has been particularly vocal about Petry’s draft prospects. Rogers frequently cites Petry’s raw power and improving approach at the plate as reasons he projects as an early-round selection when eligible.
Baseball America and MLB Pipeline have begun placing Petry on their prospect watchlists, with analysts praising his offensive ceiling. The coverage consistently references his freshman record-breaking performance and projects him as a potential impact bat at the professional level.
Behind the Scenes
Ethan Petry’s success on the diamond doesn’t happen by accident. His development at South Carolina involves intensive preparation and institutional support that helps transform raw talent into refined skill.
Training Regimen and Workout Routines
Petry’s physical development follows a meticulously crafted program that balances strength training with baseball-specific skills. During the off-season, he dedicates 5-6 days weekly to weight room sessions, focusing on explosive power that translates directly to his swing mechanics.
His mornings typically begin with a 90-minute batting practice, where he works through various pitch sequences. Afternoons feature fielding drills that sharpen his versatility between outfield and first base positions.
What separates Petry from peers is his commitment to video analysis. He spends nearly two hours daily studying his swing and comparing it against MLB power hitters with similar frames.
Petry’s Physical Profile:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’4″ |
| Weight | 230 lbs |
| Bat/Throw | R/R |
| Exit Velocity | 107+ mph |
Scouts have noted his power development as a primary factor in his projected early-round MLB draft status.
Role of an Athletic Director
Athletic Director Ray Tanner has played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in Petry’s development. The former national championship-winning baseball coach brings a unique perspective to player development at South Carolina.
Tanner’s influence extends beyond administrative duties. He regularly attends practices to connect current players with MLB scouts and former Gamecocks now playing professionally.
“Our job is creating environments where talent can flourish,” Tanner explained during a recent media availability after Petry’s impressive performance against SC Upstate.
Tanner’s baseball background means he recognizes exceptional talent. He’s credited with securing additional resources for the program, including advanced analytics equipment that Petry uses regularly to refine his approach at the plate.
The relationship between Tanner and the baseball program creates a professional atmosphere that has helped prepare Petry for his likely transition to professional baseball.
