Big League Baseball World Series - Easley Recreation Complex

After years of planning by city officials and a citizen recreation committee, the City of Easley Recreation Complex became a mandate in November 1996, when voters approved a $3.3 million bond issue for its construction by a margin of almost 70 percent.

Construction began in the summer of 1997 when contractors and the National Guard began grading the 100 acre site. Bad weather during the winter and spring of 97/98 delayed completion of construction until spring of 1999 when the three field complex and Pavilion building opened for Little League play. The nature trail, a playground and picnic shelter were also opened in spring of 1999. All of the paved walking paths, parking, roads, and utilities for the entire 100 acre park were also completed as part of the Phase I development. A regional Little League Tournament was also held at the park in July/August, 1999. In 2001 the Pavilion hosted it's first Big League Baseball World Series while Southern Wesleyan University became home "Village" for players, coaches and their families.

The five field softball complex was used for practice in spring of 1999, earlier than originally planned. Permanent grass has been on these fields and the five soccer/football fields in the lower park area. The City recently received a $150,000 state grant to further Phase II development, and Plans are being prepared to install fencing, lighting, and other facilities as funds are made available. The City is also considering a hospitality tax of 1% on restaurant meals, which would be used to finance this and other recreation and tourism facilities.

UPDATES

• $6 million for new three full court Gym to be opened early 2007
  
• Addition of an 18 hole Disc Golf Course (2001)
  
• Addition of 2nd new public shelter for outdoor usage (2006)
  
• Additional seating in outfield of main baseball field (2001)
  
• Addition of two (2) new bull pens at the main baseball field (2006)
  
• New larger score board for the main baseball field (2005)
  
• All baseball, Football/Soccer fields now have state of the art lighting (2005)
  
• Addition of a new concession in Football/Soccer field area (2004)
  
• Addition of 3rd new play ground set in Football/Soccer field area (2006)
  
• Addition of a new parking lot to support Football/Soccer fields (2005)
  
• Lengthen three of the Soccer fields to full-size regulation length (2005)
  
• Extended lower road to accommodate more parking on both sides of road and a cul-de-sac to facilitate better traffic flow (2005)
  
• Total cost for all projects except (Gym) Approximately $850,000 (2001-2006)
  
• Total cost of Complex just over $11 million by mid 2007
  
• Future plans are being considered to lengthen Main complex field #3 to support further Little League, AAU, ISA and USSSA bigger tournaments for the older age leagues. Baseball starts in early February and runs through November. Easley has baseball tournaments of 40 - 60 teams about 20 - 25 times a year.
  
• Considering the renovation of the main complex tower to better facilitate the score keeping and announcement of games
  
• Future plans to update the main field to better facilitate seating capacity
  

For more information contact the City of Easley Recreation Department at 864-855-7933.

PRACTICE FIELD GUIDELINES

Please make sure you follow these guidelines in order to provide all teams an opportunity to practice throughout your time here in South Carolina & Southern Wesleyan University.

General Information

• Practice times will be available from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Each team may sign up for (1) two hour session per day. Sign-up sheet will be located at the information desk in Stuart-Bennett Dormitory.
  
• All gates will be locked at 8:00 pm. Use of the lights will not be allowed. No admittance to field after 8:00 pm.
  
• Inclement weather or wet field conditions may be a cause for practice times being pushed back or cancelled. Daily Maintenance of field can be expected and will be posted on practice sheet. Please DO NOT try and prepare field, remove tarps or move portable batting cage on to field.
  

Field Information

• Do not hit any type of ball into the fence. Use cage and nets for all hitting drills.
  
• Use the outfield for all stretching and arm loosening drills. Do not play pepper or toss in front of dugouts.
  
• Covered batting cage outside of fence should be used for batting practice. Field may be used for fielding work only. No hitting on field.
  

Any questions may be submitted to Coach Mike Gillespie at extension 5305.

We encourage parents and family members to stay at our official lodging partner of the Big League Baseball World Series, Comfort Inn by "Choice Hotels." The Comfort Inn is conveniently located just a few miles from the series site. Some features of this motel include a free hot Southern-style breakfast, afternoon snacks, outdoor pool, premium channels, free unlimited local and 800 number calling, and more. For reservations call toll free (800) 424-6423 or the direct number is (864) 859-7520.

Directions to the motel: Take I-85 to exit 40, head North on Highway 153 toward Easley and travel 5.5 miles. The road will split, stay left, then you will head straight over the bridge, then circle right and go under the bridge. You will then be on Highway 123. Continue on Highway 123, travel 2.2 miles (through four red lights) to the Comfort Inn on your left.

Directions from Comfort Inn to JB "Red" Owens Complex: Take a left out of motel, you are heading south on Highway 123. Travel about one mile to Highway 8, exit to the right, with the Easley water tower to your right. At the bottom of the ramp take a left and go under the overpass. Go about 1/4 mile, at the 2nd traffic light, turn left between Wal-Mart and CVS. The complex will be approximately one mile down on the left. If you miss this turn, there will be a directional sign at the next light; turn left and proceed to the complex. The phone number for the complex is (864) 855-7933.