The Clemson University baseball community is mourning the tragic loss of Reed Rohlman, a former standout outfielder who passed away at the age of 29 following a reed rohlman car accident in Hobe Sound, Florida on Wednesday. Rohlman, a native of Moore, South Carolina, was a two-time All-American during his career with the Clemson Tigers from 2014 to 2017. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, and coaches who remember him as not only a talented baseball player but an exceptional human being with an infectious personality and caring spirit.
Reed’s Early Life and High School Career
Growing up in the small town of Moore, South Carolina, Reed Rohlman developed a love for baseball at an early age. He attended Byrnes High School, where he quickly established himself as a standout player on the diamond. His high school coach, Michael Maus, recalls Rohlman’s playful personality and free spirit, which endeared him to his teammates and coaches alike.
One memorable story from Reed’s junior year at Byrnes illustrates his fun-loving nature. During a late-season practice, Reed and star pitcher Alex Cunningham were engaged in a friendly back-and-forth. Cunningham bet Rohlman that he could strike him out, while Reed countered by saying he’d take Cunningham deep. Coach Maus sweetened the deal by promising to end practice early if Reed could indeed hit a home run. With one mighty swing, Rohlman sent Cunningham’s pitch soaring 400 feet over the centerfield wall, much to the delight of his teammates. As he rounded the bases laughing and gloating, Reed’s infectious energy and love for the game were on full display.
Clemson Baseball Career (2014-2017)
After graduating from Byrnes in 2013, Reed Rohlman took his talents to Clemson University to play for the Tigers baseball team. He redshirted his first year on campus in 2014 before bursting onto the scene as a freshman in 2015. That season, Rohlman hit .356 with 58 RBIs, becoming only the second freshman in Clemson history to earn All-America honors. His .356 batting average was the third-highest in the ACC, cementing his status as one of the conference’s rising stars.
Rohlman continued his success over the next two seasons, playing a key role in Clemson’s ACC Championship in 2016 under head coach Monte Lee. He earned second-team All-American honors again in 2017 after hitting .361 on the season. During his time at Clemson, Rohlman became known as “Leftfield Jesus” due to his distinctive long hair and beard, which became his signature look.
Perhaps the most iconic moment of Reed’s Clemson career came in an NCAA Regional game against Vanderbilt. With the Tigers clinging to a late lead, Rohlman made a spectacular diving catch in left field to rob a Vanderbilt player of a potential game-tying home run. The catch preserved the victory for Clemson and a complete game shutout for pitcher Tyler Jackson, who remained one of Rohlman’s closest friends until his passing.
| Reed Rohlman’s Clemson Career Stats | |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 187 |
| Batting Average | .329 |
| On-Base Percentage | .410 |
| Doubles | 59 |
| Home Runs | 11 |
| RBIs | 135 |
| Runs Scored | 127 |
Getting Drafted and Minor League Career
Following his stellar Clemson career, Reed Rohlman was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 35th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He spent the next three seasons playing in the Royals minor league system, honing his skills and chasing his dream of reaching the major leagues.
Even as he pursued his professional baseball career, Reed remained committed to his education. He graduated from Clemson in May 2017 with a degree in parks, recreation & tourism management, demonstrating his dedication both on and off the field.
Off-the-Field Reed: The Friend, Boyfriend, and Brother
While Reed Rohlman’s on-field accomplishments were impressive, it was his character and relationships off the field that truly set him apart. He shared a close friendship with former Clemson teammate Tyler Jackson, who lived near Reed in Jupiter, Florida in recent years. The two had grown especially close, with Reed even helping Jackson coordinate his engagement and playing a role in his upcoming wedding. Jackson fondly remembers Reed as “one of the best guys I’ve ever known.”
Reed’s girlfriend, Emma Vollbracht, describes their relationship as a once-in-a-lifetime love. From the moment they first met, Emma knew there was something special about Reed. He treated her with an old-fashioned sense of respect and adoration, always holding doors, paying for meals, and making sure she felt loved every single day. The couple cherished their Tuesday night card games and red wine, simple pleasures that brought them immense joy. In the weeks before his passing, Reed had expressed his desire to propose to Emma and start a family together. Though their future was tragically cut short, the love they shared will forever remain in Emma’s heart.
As the middle child of three, Reed was a devoted brother to his sisters Sylvia and Erica. He took on the role of protector, sitting down with each of Sylvia’s potential suitors on the front porch for a “talk” before allowing them to take his little sister out on a date. After the passing of their father Erik in 2014, Reed stepped up as the man of the house, providing strength and support to his grieving mother Jennifer and sisters. He even fulfilled a promise to walk Erica down the aisle at her wedding in 2019, a testament to his unwavering love and commitment to family.
Details of Reed Rohlman Car Accident
Tragically, former Clemson University baseball standout Reed Rohlman passed away on Wednesday at the age of 29 following a car accident in Hobe Sound, Florida. The details surrounding the accident have not been publicly disclosed, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking loss.
What we do know is that Rohlman, a native of Moore, South Carolina, was in the Jupiter, Florida area in recent years. He had developed a close friendship with former Clemson teammate Tyler Jackson, who also resided nearby. The two had grown especially close, with Reed even helping Jackson plan his engagement and preparing to be a part of his upcoming wedding.
As family, friends, former teammates and coaches grapple with the sudden loss of Reed Rohlman, they are leaning on one another for support during this difficult time. While the specifics of the reed rohlman car accident may remain unknown to the public, it is clear that Rohlman’s passing has left an immense void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
In the face of this tragedy, Reed’s loved ones are choosing to focus on celebrating his life and the indelible impact he had on so many people in his 29 years. They take solace in the memories of his infectious personality, caring spirit, and the way he brightened the lives of others, both on and off the baseball field. As more details about the reed rohlman car accident may emerge in the coming days and weeks, the priority for those grieving will be to honor Reed Rohlman’s legacy and to keep his memory alive in their hearts.
Remembering Reed Rohlman
In the wake of Reed Rohlman’s tragic passing, his family, friends, former teammates and coaches are coming together to remember and honor his life. They share stories of his caring spirit, infectious personality, and the indelible impact he had on all those who knew him.
Former Clemson head coach Jack Leggett reflects on Reed’s character and talent, noting that “he was a very good player and even more of a good person. He always had a smile on his face and was a great teammate. Everybody enjoyed being around him.”
Reed’s legacy extends far beyond the baseball diamond. He touched countless lives with his kindness, generosity, and zest for life. As his loved ones mourn his loss, they take comfort in the memories they shared and the knowledge that his spirit will live on through the many people he inspired.
A ceremony celebrating Reed’s life is planned for Saturday, April 6th at the Byrnes High School baseball field. The Rohlman family invites anyone whose life was touched by Reed to attend and pay their respects to a remarkable young man gone too soon.
Conclusion
The loss of Reed Rohlman at the age of 29 is a devastating blow to all who knew and loved him. From his hometown of Moore, South Carolina to the Clemson University campus and beyond, Reed left an indelible mark with his talent, heart, and infectious spirit.
Though his time on this earth was far too short, the impact he made will endure. His legacy as a standout baseball player, loyal friend, devoted boyfriend, and loving brother will be cherished by all those fortunate enough to have known him.
As the Clemson baseball community and Reed’s loved ones gather to remember his life, they will undoubtedly share stories of his on-field heroics, off-field antics, and the myriad ways in which he brightened the lives of others. Through their memories and the love they carry in their hearts, Reed Rohlman’s spirit will live on, forever reminding us to cherish the moments we have with those we hold dear.
Rest in peace, Reed. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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