“Everything Just Felt Right”: Why Transfer Lefty Alex Valentin
Is Built for the Big Moments at South Carolina
When South Carolina fans talk about energy on the mound, they’re not just talking about stats or radar gun readings. They’re talking about attitude. Swagger. Presence. And they’re about to see all of that—plus a wicked left-handed delivery—in transfer pitcher Alex Valentin.
Valentin, a high-energy lefty with a fierce competitive edge, isn’t your typical pitcher. In fact, he’s proud of being different. Whether it’s the animated shimmy in his windup or the confident stare he gives before delivering a pitch, it’s clear: this is a guy who lives for big moments. And now, after transferring to South Carolina, he’s ready to bring that passion to the SEC stage.
“It’s just a battle of competition. It’s me versus the hitter,” Valentin recently told GamecockCentral. “When I’m out there on the mound, I’m convinced that there’s nobody else in the country better than me. I don’t think anybody can beat me, and I don’t think anybody will beat me.”
A Competitive Fire That Burns Bright
Pitchers often talk about preparation. Strategy. Execution. But for Valentin, the mental side of the game is just as important as any pitch he throws. Every time he takes the mound, he brings with him an unshakable belief that he’s the best. That confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s his fuel.
Confidence has been a defining trait for Valentin since his early days on the mound. As a competitor, he doesn’t just aim to win—he wants to dominate. That mindset has helped him stand out among his peers and catch the attention of programs like South Carolina’s. But it’s more than just bravado; it’s part of how he’s built. It’s a product of countless hours of training, overcoming setbacks, and trusting in his ability when the pressure is at its highest.
“I’m not just throwing pitches—I’m making statements,” Valentin said with a grin. “Every pitch is a chance to show who I am.”
Making the Move to South Carolina
For Valentin, the decision to transfer to South Carolina wasn’t just about moving up to one of the premier baseball conferences in the country. It was about fit. Atmosphere. Opportunity.
“Everything just felt right,” he said.
From the moment he set foot on campus, Valentin felt a connection—not just to the facilities and coaches, but to the energy of the program. South Carolina baseball is known for its intensity, and that suits Valentin perfectly. He sees this next chapter as a launching pad, a chance to pitch on the biggest stage, in front of the most passionate fans, against the best competition in the country.
“Being here pushes me to be better. It’s the environment I’ve always wanted. I’m surrounded by guys who want to win just as badly as I do,” he explained.
A Nod to Cueto — and a Style All His Own
If you’ve ever seen Johnny Cueto pitch, you’ve likely noticed his unique delivery—a signature shimmy in the windup that became as iconic as his strikeout pitch. Valentin brings a similar flavor to the mound. As he digs his cleats into the dirt and prepares to throw, he often adds a shimmy or movement, a rhythmic cue that adds deception and disrupts hitters’ timing.
But for Valentin, it’s not about mimicking. It’s about expression.
“Cueto had his thing, and it worked for him. I’ve got my own rhythm, my own way of keeping hitters off balance. And yeah, I like to have a little fun with it too,” Valentin said.
His motion is just one part of a larger picture—an approach built around attacking hitters with flair, confidence, and command. Every pitch has a purpose, and every moment on the mound is a performance. But underneath the theatrics is a serious competitor who expects nothing less than excellence.
What to Expect in 2025
As the 2025 season looms, Valentin is poised to make an impact in the Gamecocks’ rotation. His energy is contagious, his presence undeniable, and his left arm electric. Whether he’s starting or coming in for high-leverage innings late in a game, fans can expect one thing: intensity.
He’s not afraid of the spotlight—in fact, he craves it. Big moments don’t intimidate him. They energize him.
“I want to be the guy they call when it matters most,” Valentin said. “When the game’s on the line, I want to be on that mound.”
For South Carolina, that kind of mindset could be the difference in a tight SEC battle or a deep postseason run. And for Alex Valentin, it’s just another step in the journey—a journey powered by belief, passion, and the will to compete.