The baseball world mourns the tragic loss of Reed Rohlman, a former Clemson outfielder and two-time All-American, who passed away at age 29 in a tragic car accident in Hobe Sound, Florida. Rohlman’s passing left a deep impact on everyone who knew him, from teammates and coaches to family and friends. Though his life was short, Rohlman made a lasting impression, etching his name in Clemson lore and touching countless lives with his infectious spirit.
Reed Rohlman’s Baseball Career
Reed Rohlman’s journey to baseball stardom began at Byrnes High School in Moore, South Carolina, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the game. In 2014, he joined the prestigious Clemson Tigers program, redshirting his freshman year before bursting onto the scene in 2015. That season, Rohlman achieved a remarkable feat, becoming only the second freshman in Clemson’s storied history to earn All-American honors. He hit an impressive .356, the third-highest average in the ACC, and drove in 58 runs, solidifying his place as one of the Tigers’ brightest young talents.
Rohlman kept shining in the seasons that followed, playing some of his best baseball. In 2017, he earned second-team All-American recognition after hitting a blistering .361 and helping lead the Tigers to the ACC championship under head coach Monte Lee. Rohlman’s stellar collegiate career culminated in his selection by the Kansas City Royals in the 35th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, where he spent three seasons honing his skills in the organization’s minor league system.
Here’s a snapshot of Rohlman’s impressive college stats at Clemson:
| Season | Games | Batting Average | On-Base Percentage | Doubles | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 62 | .356 | .411 | 12 | 2 | 58 |
| 2016 | 61 | .324 | .405 | 19 | 5 | 38 |
| 2017 | 64 | .361 | .437 | 28 | 4 | 39 |
Rohlman’s former coaches, including Jack Leggett, who guided him during his first two seasons at Clemson, spoke glowingly of his talent and character. “He was a very good player and even more of a good person,” Leggett said. “He made the locker room a better place—always smiling, always supporting everyone else. Everybody enjoyed being around him.”
The “Leftfield Jesus”
While his on-field exploits were remarkable, Reed Rohlman was perhaps best known for his unique persona and infectious personality. Affectionately dubbed “Leftfield Jesus” by his teammates and fans, a nod to his distinctive long hair and beard, Rohlman embodied the free-spirited, fun-loving nature that endeared him to all who crossed his path.
One of Rohlman’s most memorable moments came during an NCAA Regional victory against Vanderbilt, as recounted by his close friend and former teammate, Tyler Jackson. “I had a complete-game shutout going in the ninth, and I was running out of gas and laid a fastball down the middle, and a dude ripped it,” Jackson said. “And Reed robbed it.” Rohlman reached over the wall to deny the Vanderbilt player a home run, clinching the Clemson victory and preserving Jackson’s shutout in what he considered “the biggest game of his college career.”
He wasn’t just known for big plays—his personality lit up every room around him. Jackson fondly reminisced about his friend’s carefree demeanor, sharing memories of Rohlman’s constant jokes and lighthearted antics that brought joy to even the most intense moments. “Everywhere he went, even if he wasn’t somewhere for long, he always made a big group of friends just through his infectious personality and free spirit,” Jackson said.
A Brother’s Love
While Reed Rohlman’s baseball accomplishments were remarkable, his impact extended far beyond the diamond. To his sisters, Sylvia and Erica, he was a protective older brother, a source of unwavering love and support. Sylvia fondly recalled the “front porch talks” Reed would have with her dates, a ritual that ensured the young suitors treated his little sister with the utmost respect.
“He’d always tell me, ‘You can’t come listen,’ before he’d talk to my date on the front porch,” Sylvia reminisced with a smile. “But they’d talk out there, and then he’d let them come inside and take me out on our date. I still never know what he told them. All I know is that he scared every boy I dated. Which was kind of a good thing.”
Erica, the eldest of the Rohlman siblings, shared a particularly poignant memory of her brother’s unwavering devotion. “He was at a baseball practice with Clemson the day our dad passed away,” she recounted. “He came home, and the first thing he said to me was, ‘You don’t have to worry about anything. I’ll walk you down the aisle one day.'” True to his word, Reed fulfilled that promise in 2019, locking arms with Erica and giving her away to her husband, Aaron.
In the wake of their father Erik’s passing in 2014, Reed assumed the role of the family’s pillar, supporting his mother Jennifer and sisters during their time of grief. Erica fondly remembered how her brother embraced his newfound responsibilities, stating, “Reed stepped up when our family needed him most, even as a teenager, so he learned how to be a man earlier than most people have to. It shaped him into the amazing guy he became.”
His One True Love
Amidst the triumphs and challenges of his life, Reed Rohlman found solace and unwavering love in his relationship with his girlfriend, Emma Vollbracht. Their connection was immediate and profound, defying Emma’s skepticism about the concept of “love at first sight.”
“The first time I locked eyes with Reed, I became a believer,” Emma reminisced. “Anyone who saw us together would say the same—what we had was rare and real. We lit up the room when we were together.”
Emma spoke glowingly of Rohlman’s unwavering devotion and care, describing him as “old-fashioned” in his gestures of love and respect. “He held every door, paid for every meal, and loved me every day,” she shared. Their Tuesday night tradition of drinking red wine, playing rummy, and falling asleep in each other’s arms epitomized the simplicity and beauty of their bond.
Tragically, just weeks before Reed Rohlman’s car accident and untimely passing, he had confided in friends and family his desire to propose to Emma and start a family. “We were truly each other’s person. He was my one,” Emma said, her voice cracking with emotion. “My heart is going to ache for the rest of my life that I don’t get to experience getting engaged to him, marrying him, and having kids with him. All the good things we talked about together.”
Remembering Reed
As the baseball community and Rohlman’s loved ones grapple with their profound loss, plans are underway to honor his remarkable legacy. Byrnes High School, where Rohlman’s athletic journey began, will host a celebration of life on Saturday, April 6, at the school’s baseball field. Friends, family, former coaches, and teammates are expected to gather in large numbers to pay tribute to the man who touched so many lives.
“We hope anyone who knew Reed or just wants to stop by will come out,” Erica Rohlman said, extending an open invitation. “We know he meant a lot to so many people.”
As loved ones mourn, they find comfort in memories and moments shared in the countless cherished memories they shared with him. Teammates like Tyler Jackson strive to remember “one of the best guys I’ve ever known,” while coaches like Jack Leggett lament the loss of a truly exceptional person. “The world is going to miss Reed Rohlman,” Leggett said, his words echoing the sentiments of all who crossed paths with the vibrant, caring soul.
