Jessica Sibley

Editor, Staff Writer

jevans@pickenssentinel.com, jsibley@theeasleyprogress.com

EASLEY - The Cliffs community is stepping up to the plate to provide Easley and the Big League Baseball World Series with funding to ensure that this year's Series scores a home run.

Rick Fisher, foundation director for the Cliffs, presented Easley officials with a $10,000 check at the J.B. "Red" Owens Recreation Complex Thursday.

Earlier this year, Easley officials learned that $50,000 in promised state funding had been cut from the state budget.

The Cliffs' contribution follows a $25,000 funding promise from County Council, spearheaded by Councilwoman Jennifer Willis.

Council approved providing $25,000 in funding - provided that Easley secure the additional $25,000 from other sources.

The $10,000 brings the city closer to that goal, Willis said.

"We're not done yet," she said. "We'll get the other $15,000."

Sharing that same confidence was Tournament Director for the Big League World Series Jon Humphrey during the check presentation.

"The contribution helps a lot," he said. "The Cliffs have allowed us to take a major step toward matching the funds from Pickens County and we can't express enough how appreciative we are."

The donation amount is one of the largest from outside state or county investments, Humphrey said.

During the presentation, Humphrey asked Fisher to throw out the first pitch to get the Big League World Series underway.

"Last time I threw a first pitch was when the Bombers were still in Columbia," Fisher said. "And yes, I made it over the plate," he joked.

The contribution fits in with the goals of the Cliffs, Willis said.

"They believe in promoting a healthy active lifestyle," she said. "In return, their community will benefit from the exposure they'll receive from the ESPN coverage of the tournament."

Along with that goal, the reasoning for the contribution was simple for Fisher.

"It's about being in this community," he said. "First thing we look at is what's going on with family and their kids. The Big League is a perfect example."

The promotion of active kids and wholesome fun resonated with Fisher, while the economic advantage was something he couldn't turn his back on.

"Any economic boost is a major plus," he said. "Plus, we think Pickens County is a great place to live and we want everyone in the world to know about it."

Ensuring that this years Series is the best it can be is especially important as Easley applies to be the Southeastern Regional headquarters for Little League International.

"It's huge," Willis said. "The headquarters would be a permanent facility holding regular training and tournaments. People would be coming to Pickens County to play baseball year-round."

If awarded, the facility would bring ten jobs to the area, she said.

"That's nothing to sneeze at these days," she said. "But most important is the tremendous benefit to tourism it would bring, with the facility hosting regular training camps and the regional tournament every year. That tournament is also covered by ESPN every year, as it is one of the stops that leads to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania."