Your Pickens County

2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Big League Baseball World Series in Easley. Right off the bat (pun intended), I will tell you that I know absolutely nothing about sports. However, as an Easley resident, I have come to realize how amazing it is that the BLWS is hosted in this Pickens County town.
Prior to moving to South Carolina, I had never heard of Easley in my 22 years of life. Metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, New Orleans, even Sioux City — these were all places I knew even if only by name. Yet of all the places on the map, the most talented 16-18 year-old players from around the globe will be playing in little ole’ Easley. Five international teams, five U.S. teams and the S.C. District 1 host squad will call Easley home for a week.
Jon Humphrey, the BLWS tournament director, believes that it all has to do with the people of this quaint and cozy Southern nook. Each year, hundreds of community residents volunteer to make the BLWS the giant success it is. The people of Easley open their homes to visiting players and their families. They spend hours in the kitchen preparing feasts for players, families and other volunteers. Who doesn’t love southern hospitality?
And so, for the 10th year in a row, the Big League World Series is being played at the JB “Red” Owens complex in Easley. As one might imagine, after many years of tweaking, this year’s event promises to be the best yet.
Kicking off the July 28-August 4 tournament is “Fan Fest,” which takes place on July 27. Last year, approximately 4,000 people attended the event, featuring Justin Bieber, who has recently achieved pop star status. The lineup this year includes free performances by ‘Cartell’ and ‘Boys Like Girls’ and will be hosted by community partner B93.7. Fan Fest boasts incredible festivities and an opportunity for players, coaches, families, friends and community to come together in celebration of the BLWS opening.
At 6:30 that evening, plan to enjoy a Home Run Derby featuring players from the teams competing in the BLWS. The HRD will be played at the JB Red Owens five-field complex. There is no cost for entry to this event; however, guests will have to pay for any concessions they wish to consume.
Tickets for individual games throughout the tournament can be purchased at the Recreation Complex prior to each game, or weekly passes can be purchased. A week-long pass is $30 for adults and $15 for students. Children are free. Daily and championship tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Again, all children are admitted to the games for free.
Select games will be broadcast on air and online by WCCP-FM at 104.9 FM. Broadcasts can be heard live at www.wccpfm.com. Cameras installed at the fields will allow people to watch broadcasts of the games online at www.youthsportslive.com. For the fourth year in a row, the championship game will be nationally televised on ESPN, live in primetime at 8 p.m.
ESPN. Live. In Easley. Even this gal who wouldn’t know a home run from a touchdown (written solely for humor) can see what the BLWS means to Easley each and every year. For this one week period, our community is filled with cultural diversity that isn’t always common. Our businesses benefit from the tourism. And, rightly so, Easley is illuminated on the map as a small town filled with big dreams, big success, big hearts and, for 10 years in a row, the Big League World Series.