EASLEY — Aug. 21 might have been the opening weekend of high school football across South Carolina, but there was still plenty of summer-like baseball weather to be enjoyed and the City of Easley was the venue.

J. B. “Red” Owens park played host to some 30 teams from across the state and region as United States Specialty Sports Association baseball continued to carry out the baseball season with fans, parents, and friends in tow, enjoying the weather and stiff competition.

The tournament, sponsored by Gameon for USSSA, brought in teams to compete in age brackets from 9-under through 14-under over the weekend.

“There were some clouds hanging around earlier, which cooled things off a little, but this is definitely baseball and not football weather,” Jerry Hampton of Powdersville said. “I know football started last night, but this is the kind of day we like. There is some good competition here this weekend and I know our boys are already having a blast.”

The Little League World Series may be dominating the headlines and the pigskin flying through the air, but if the play in Easley over the weekend is any indication, baseball has some life in it and summer is still in high gear as the ping of aluminum bats, pop of leather gloves, and the shouts of parents could be heard all over Easley.

In the infamous words of Ernie Banks, “Let’s play two” was the motto of the weekend for travel baseball in Easley.

Cole Puckhaber of Anderson Elite had a breaking ball get away from him before being injured on the play and moving to the outfield to finish the contest.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_IMG_9118.jpgCole Puckhaber of Anderson Elite had a breaking ball get away from him before being injured on the play and moving to the outfield to finish the contest. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

The City of Easley hosted 30 United States Specialty Sports Association baseball teams over the weekend, bringing visitors from the Upstate to the area.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_IMG_9137.jpgThe City of Easley hosted 30 United States Specialty Sports Association baseball teams over the weekend, bringing visitors from the Upstate to the area. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

It may not have been the spot of the ball or penalties, but there was still plenty of discussion to be had between coaches and umpires.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_IMG_9124.jpgIt may not have been the spot of the ball or penalties, but there was still plenty of discussion to be had between coaches and umpires. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

Teams ranging from 9 and under through 14 and under participated in a United States Specialty Sports Association tournament at J. W. “Red” Owens Complex in Easley despite the fact football began Friday night, showing there may be football on the gridiron but still plenty of warm weather for baseball.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_IMG_9155.jpgTeams ranging from 9 and under through 14 and under participated in a United States Specialty Sports Association tournament at J. W. “Red” Owens Complex in Easley despite the fact football began Friday night, showing there may be football on the gridiron but still plenty of warm weather for baseball. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.