Dominic Listi, a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, ready to help bring the Tigers back to Omaha

Erik Bakich needs to fill holes in the outfield, and he’s off to a hot start with a self-described adrenaline junkie looking forward to playing in the ACC.

Bakich and the Tigers dove into the transfer portal last weekend and landed Indiana State transfer and graduate outfielder Dominic Listi.

He was named to the All-MVC Second Team and Lexington NCAA Tournament Regional All-Tournament Team, hitting .324 with 14 doubles, 57 runs scored, 34 walks and 25 RAP with an .895 OPS and .464 OBP this season.

Listi was outstanding in the Kentucky Regional a few weeks ago. With his team in the losing bracket, Listi had four hits and scored a run in a 6-4 playoff victory over Western Michigan. He scored a run and drove in a run in a 13-2 win over Illinois, but went hitless as the Wildcats finished the region with a 5-0 victory.

While playing in Lexington, he watched the other regionals, which allowed him to learn a little more about Clemson baseball. A look at the Super Regionals tells him even more.

“I’m from the Midwest and I’ve lived in the Midwest my whole life. So, I would say I had a pretty good superficial knowledge (of Clemson) beforehand, but paying attention specifically to the Super Regional,” Listi told TigerNet. “But having an eye on college baseball as a whole throughout the year, and after our season at Kentucky ended, we were watching all the super regionals, and man, you can just say it is just different at Clemson.”

Listi quickly announced his transfer intention on Twitter and his recruiting coordinator Nick Schnabel reach.

“I made my first tweet on Twitter with everything, and then they followed me on Twitter,” Listi said. “And then we set up a phone call, and we had a few phone calls, and everything went really well after that.”

Clemson must replace right fielder Alden Mathes and may need to replace left fielder Will TaylorSo Listi knows the opportunity to play is there and made the commitment without visiting campus.

“I plan to come. I haven’t set it up yet, but we’re going to organize a visit here soon, but I don’t necessarily know what I want to see,” he said. “Obviously the baseball facilities and everything they have there. It’s going to be really awesome.

What kind of player do the Tigers have?

“I consider myself a value provider. This is who I am,” Listi said. “I’m not here for the glitz and glamour. I love setting the table and scoring for people. I see myself as a points scorer and just as someone who will bring courage to the team.

With Clemson, he also has a chance to go deeper into the season.

“I’d be lying if I said my teammates and I weren’t pretty bitter about not being able to host at Indiana State, so it left a pretty bitter taste in our mouths after falling in the regional,” Listi said . . “So, I mean, that’s exactly why I want to be here, is to bring Clemson back to Omaha. I’m excited to be around and be surrounded by great ballplayers every day and learn. I’m just a sponge.

“I’m so excited to learn from the coaches and players and hear about everyone’s different experiences and stories. I mean, that’s one of my favorite things about last year is we had a lot of players from Puerto Rico and Venezuela and we were hearing about their journeys. I’m just excited to learn about everyone else’s journeys and get closer to them throughout the year as we pursue a common goal.

He’s also looking forward to playing in the ACC.

“I’m an adrenaline junkie and a competitor, so I love the fact that every game has to be completely improved when it comes to just yourself and what you bring to the table,” Listi said. “We’ve played some SEC and ACC schools before and it’s just fun. It’s just fun. It’s a different level of competitiveness, and it’s something I’m looking forward to.

He played his first four seasons with North Central (Illinois) at the Division III level, starting 144 games with season records such as .374 average (2022), 73 points (2022), 111 field goals total (2022), 44. RBIS (2021), 16 doubles (2022) and ten triples (2021).