Tourney set for 15th year

in Easley from July 28-Aug. 4

EASLEY — The Big League Baseball World Series, a week-long baseball tournament featuring some of the most talented 16-18-year-old players in the world, recently announced the dates for this year’s event, as well as a new format.

Celebrating its 15th year in Easley, the Big League Baseball World Series will take place July 28-Aug. 4.

New this year, the tournament will begin and end on a Tuesday instead of Wednesday and will switch from pool play to a modified double-elimination format. There will be two brackets — one for U.S. teams and one for the international teams.

Winning teams will advance in their individual brackets, with losing teams entering the losers’ bracket for a chance to fight their way back into the championship game.

A team that loses its first two games will not have a chance to play for the championship but will play one consolation game against a team from the other bracket. With the new format, five teams will be given a first-round bye.

Those teams will be chosen in a random draw by the 2015 host families.

“Double-elimination play can definitely be more thrilling, as teams with one loss need to fight their way back to the championship round,” tournament director Jon Humphrey said. “This format will also change coaches’ strategic view of the game, particularly with the pitchers. If a team loses their first game, they could potentially play six games in an eight-day time span, to win the championship.”

The 2015 tournament will kick off with Fan Fest on July 27 for a night of fun, family-friendly activities including opportunities for fans to meet and interact with the tournament players.

More information about Fan Fest will be available in the coming months.

Teams from Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Mexico, Canada and the United States compete for the title of Big League Baseball World Champions at the tournament.

With the growing number of attendees and impact on the Upstate economy, committee members recommend sponsors reserve spots soon for the 2015 tournament. The tournament brings thousands of attendees every year, and the championship game is broadcast live on ESPN.