Paul Mainieri’s candid and thoughtful response to the low attendance at Founders Park this season has resonated with many, especially in a college baseball culture that often sees fans blamed for lack of support. In his view, the South Carolina fan base—widely regarded as one of the most loyal and passionate in the country—deserves better, and the responsibility lies with the team and leadership to provide a product worth showing up for. Rather than chastise the community, he’s embraced the opportunity to reflect on what needs to change internally to bring fans back in droves.
Mainieri’s words come after a season that was, by all accounts, difficult. The team struggled to find consistency, finishing the regular season with a .500 record and limping into the SEC Tournament. Injuries, underperformance, and inconsistency on the mound plagued the team throughout the year, and while flashes of brilliance emerged from time to time, the Gamecocks never quite captured the rhythm that once made them a perennial College World Series contender.
But for Mainieri, who came out of retirement to lead the Gamecocks, this season has never been about making excuses. “It’s been a long year in terms of wins and losses,” he said. “But I came here to help build something lasting—not just to chase one season of success. That takes time, effort, and belief, not just from the players and coaches, but from the fans and university as a whole.”
Mainieri knows a thing or two about building. During his time at LSU, he turned a respected program into a powerhouse, winning a national championship and appearing in multiple College World Series. He believes that same formula—talent development, culture building, and honest accountability—can work in Columbia, too. But part of that process involves earning back trust, something he says can’t be done overnight.
“This fan base has seen championships. They’ve seen Omaha. They know what it looks like when Gamecock baseball is elite,” Mainieri noted. “So it’s not about marketing gimmicks or giveaways to get people into the stands. It’s about putting a team on the field that reflects the pride of South Carolina. That’s on us. That’s on me.”
Attendance at Founders Park has dwindled over the past few seasons, with this year’s numbers being especially stark. Once known for packing in over 8,000 fans per game, the park has seen large stretches of empty seats, even during weekend SEC series. For a program that not too long ago was the talk of college baseball, the contrast has been jarring. And Mainieri isn’t blind to the impact.
“It affects the players,” he admitted. “There’s something different about playing in front of a full house. It gives you energy. It lifts you when you’re down. But the players also understand that they have to earn that support. Nothing is given. It’s earned every day.”
That message—earn it—has become a bit of a mantra around the clubhouse. Whether it’s during early morning workouts, film sessions, or extra batting practice, Mainieri has preached that nothing about rebuilding a program happens by accident. Every action, he says, has to reflect the larger mission.
And while this season’s record may not reflect success in the traditional sense, Mainieri believes the seeds of future growth have been planted. Young players have been given opportunities. Upperclassmen have been challenged to lead. And even amid the losses, a hunger has begun to form—a desire to be the group that brings the program back.
“You don’t build dynasties without going through the fire first,” Mainieri said. “That’s what this year has been. It’s been a test. And those who have made it through—players, coaches, support staff—are stronger for it.”
Still, Mainieri isn’t naïve about the expectations. He knows that South Carolina baseball isn’t a program content with moral victories. It’s one with banners, trophies, and a legacy to uphold. And while he asks for patience, he’s also making clear that next year has to look and feel different.
Recruiting has already begun to reflect that urgency. The Gamecocks have been active in the transfer portal and are targeting several high-profile high school recruits. Mainieri and his staff are looking not just for raw talent, but for the kind of gritty, competitive players who embody what he believes South Carolina baseball should represent.
“The guys we’re bringing in, they’re not just skilled. They’re hungry. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. That’s the energy we need.”
Part of Mainieri’s strategy also includes reconnecting with the local community—making sure that former players, alumni,
