For Georgia freshmen Cam Shepherd and Christian Ryder, this weekend’s series in Statesboro against Georgia Southern is special for different reasons – it’s where their dads starred as players for the Eagles better than two decades ago.
“It’s weird that my dad went there, but I have never been,” said Ryder, whose father Scott (1989-90) was a mainstay on the Georgia Southern staff that went to the College World Series in 1990.
“This will be the first time I’ve been in Statesboro and been on the field, but it’s definitely going to be a fun experience and to pitch on the same mound that my dad pitched on,” Christian Ryder said. “I know all about his stories, so it will be cool to experience some of the things that he did.”
Ryder – who picked up his first career save Sunday against College of Charleston – got a taste of what his dad felt during Friday’s 4-3 win over the Eagles. In 1.1 innings, the younger Ryder walked two but did not allow a run, pitching into the ninth before Tucker Bradley came in to strike out the two batters he faced for the save.”
Shepherd’s father Mike still ranks in the top-10 in several of Georgia Southern’s all-time offensive categories.
In three years with the Eagles, Mike Shepherd (1985-87) batted .347 with 36 home runs and 172 RBI before being drafted in the 32nd round by the Cincinnati Reds.
“We talk about his days at Georgia Southern all the time,” the Bulldogs’ starting shortstop said. “The best time he ever had was playing college baseball, that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Mike Shepherd also owns the distinction of being part of one of the strangest plays you’ll ever see. Once, the former outfielder swung so hard during a home run that he popped his knee cap out of place.
Cam Shepherd laughed that he’s heard that story before.
“Oh yeah, the story of how he hit a home run and popped his knee out of place … crazy … that’s what everyone tells me, it was the craziest thing they had ever seen,” he said. “(Mike) said it was awesome to hit a home run, but it hurt like heck having his knee pop out and having to jog around the bases.”
Bulldog first baseman Patrick Sullivan’s father Shawn also played for the Eagles, but he is battling an illness and has yet to play this year. He did not make this weekend’s trip.
“I’m sure it will be pretty cool for the dads to watch their sons play on that field,” Georgia skipper Scott Stricklin said. “I’m encouraged with what we’ve seen out of those guys and I think it will be fun for their families.”
Making this weekend even more special for the respective families is that this also happens to be Alumni Weekend in Statesboro, with former Eagle lettermen scheduled – Shepherd and Ryder included – set to be honored.
“He’s definitely going to be wearing a red and black shirt, Mike Shepherd will, too,” Christian Ryder laughed. “I’m sure they’ll let them know the tide has turned a little bit there.”
