Dobbs Returns Home as Claflin Names New Head Baseball Coach
Terica Peay
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Claflin University Director of Athletics
Tony O'Neal has announced the appointment of
Gerardric Dobbs as the university's new head baseball coach.
A former Claflin standout and assistant coach, Dobbs returns to his alma mater with a deep connection to the program and the Orangeburg community, along with experience as a player, coach, recruiter, and mentor.
Dobbs returns to Claflin after previously serving as an assistant baseball coach from 2021-23 under head coaches James Randall and Scott Nestor. During his tenure, he served as the program's recruiting coordinator and hitting coach, while also assisting with player development, practice planning, team travel, strength and conditioning, academic monitoring, and overall program administration.
He also served as acting head coach for a weekend series during Claflin's time in the Peach Belt Conference and helped lead baseball camps throughout the Southeast.
"Gerardric understands Claflin because he has lived it," O'Neal said. "He understands the student-athlete experience, he understands this community, and he understands what it takes to compete at a high level. His experience as a former player, assistant coach, and professional baseball player gives him a unique perspective, and we believe he is the right person to lead our baseball program into its next chapter."
Dobbs' connection to Claflin began as a student-athlete, where he established himself as one of the most accomplished offensive players in program history. In 2019, he was named the HBCU Small School Player of the Year after posting a career .360 batting average and setting Claflin's single-season hits record.
He went on to play two seasons of professional baseball with the Tucson Saguaros of the Pecos League, helping the team capture a league championship. His professional experience provided firsthand knowledge of the preparation, discipline, and competitiveness required to succeed at the next level.
After his playing career, Dobbs transitioned into coaching and player development. In addition to his previous role at Claflin, he served as a facility coordinator for the City of Orangeburg, where he managed athletic facilities, coordinated youth recreation programs, and organized baseball camps and tournaments. He also developed relationships with coaches, parents, and community stakeholders to promote youth baseball throughout the area.
Dobbs currently serves as a deputy sheriff with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office. He is a graduate of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Academy and holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Claflin University.
His coaching philosophy centers on accountability, discipline, hard work, and servant leadership, with an emphasis on developing student-athletes academically, athletically, and personally.
Dobbs will lead the Panthers as Claflin prepares for the upcoming baseball season.
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About Claflin University Athletics
Claflin University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. The university's athletic program includes volleyball; men's and women's cross country; men's and women's basketball; softball; men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; and baseball. Claflin's teams compete primarily in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), while the baseball program competes in the Peach Belt Conference.
