By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter

jevans@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — Easley looks to hit a home run with its first year of hosting the Senior League World Series this summer — and the state of South Carolina has stepped up to the plate to help.

Rep. Neal Collins and Rep. Davey Hiott made a special presentation to tournament director John Humphrey during Monday night’s Easley City Council meeting.

Little League International officials announced earlier this year that they would be relocating the Senior League World Series to Easley from its current home in Bangor, Maine. Little League is discontinuing its Big League Baseball and Softball divisions, bringing an end to the Big League World Series.

Collins thanked Humphrey for his work with the Big League World Series and the council and city staff for their support of the tournament.

The BLWS created a tremendous economic impact for the city of Easley each year, Collins said.

“You can’t put a price on what it means for the city of Easley, being promoted on ESPN,” he said. “Even more important than that is what it’s building for the young men. We now have 16 years of teams who have been able to experience what it means to be in a tournament like that.”

Collins also thanked Recreation Department director Gregg Powell for his work with the host teams over the years.

“Thank you for what you do for these boys,” he said.

Collins also thanked all of the volunteers who make the tournaments possible each year and presented Humphrey with a check from the state for $50,000.

“I am humbled to receive this check on behalf of the Senior League World Series,” Humphrey said.

The dates for the tournament have just been announced, he said.

“Mark your calendars,” Humphrey said. “The dates are final.”

The Senior League World Series will be July 30- August 5, 2017.

“That championship game will be on ESPN once again,” Humphrey said.

Little League International is also investigating expanding the program, he said.

“That’ll be another boost for us,” Humphrey said.

He thanked the city for its support and gave a special thanks to the volunteers

“We can’t do it without them,” Humphrey said.

The state donated to the Big League World Series in 2007.

“You’ve had a great baseball tournament here for a number of years,” Hiott said. “You folks do a great job hosting it.”