William “Bud” Spiers, the starting shortstop and team leader of Clemson’s first College World Series baseball team in 1958, passed away Saturday morning. He was 79. Spiers is the father of former Clemson and major league shortstop Bill Spiers, and former Clemson outfielder Michael Spiers.
Bud Spiers was a senior in 1958 when he was named co-captain of the team by first-year head coach Bill Wilhelm. After a 6-12 record in 1957, the 1958 Tigers won the ACC championship and reached the College World Series before finishing with a 22-8 record.
Spiers led Clemson in home runs (4), hits (42), RBIs (34), total bases (65) and slugging percentage (.