Boys of Summer Return to Easley

The eyes of the baseball world will be on Easley as players from all over the world travel to Easley for eight great days of baseball.

The Series has called Easley home for 12 years and ESPN has broadcast the Championship game live for the past six years.

The 2012 Big League World Series kicks off 4pm Wednesday at the J.B. “Red” Owens Complex, but the fun starts before that.

On Tuesdays, the Owens Complex will host Fan Fest which will feature a concert, presented by B93.7 by Karmin and Outasight.

Don't miss the Home Run Derby, as Big League World Series players show off their skills.

Hawk and Tom of B93.7 will emcee the concert. Gates open at 5pm.

There's no charge to attend Fan Fest – just show up!

From Wednesday on, teams will go head to head leading up to the Championship Game on Wednesday, August 1, which ESPN will broadcast live at 8pm.

Games begin at 4pm on Wednesday, July 25. Latin America vs. EMEA will face off at Field 1, while West takes on Southwest on Field 3.

At 7:30pm, local boys SC District 1 face Central on Field 1. Field 3 will see Asia-Pacific vs. Puerto Rico.

Three games are slated for Thursday, July 26. At 4pm, Central plays Southeast on Field 3. West and East go head to head on Field 1 at 7:30pm. EMEA faces Canada at 7:30pm Thursday evening on Field 1.

Friday will see 10 teams playing throughout the day. The first game, EMEA vs. Puerto Rico, starts at 11am on Field 1.

Central plays West at 4pm on Field 1. Canada plays Latin America on Field 3, also at 4pm. Southwest takes on Southeast on Field 1 at 7:30pm, and East faces SC District 1 on Field 3 at the same time.

Play starts early on Saturday, with Puerto Rico vs. Canada at 9am on Field 1. Asia-Pacific takes on Latin America at 11:30am on Field 1. East plays Southwest at 2pm on Field 1.

Play will then stop for the Parade of Teams, which kicks off at 6pm on Field 1. This is a chance for each team to introduce itself to the local audience and the world.

Saturday's lineup of games concludes with SC District 1 taking on Southeast.

Games start at 1:30pm on Sunday, July 29, when Southwest takes on SC District 1 on Field 1. At 4:30pm, Asia-Pacific squares off against EMEA on Field 1.

Puerto Rico caps off the evening by taking on Latin America.

Games begin at 9am on Monday, July 30, when Canada takes on Asia-Pacific on Field 1. At 4pm, it's West vs. Southeast on Field 1. Central plays East at 7:30pm that evening on Field 1.

On Tuesday, the International Semi-Final begins at 4pm on Field 1, followed by the US Semi-Final at 7:30pm, leading up to the Championship Game at 8pm, Wednesday, August 1.

In addition to being broadcast live on ESPN, the Championship game will also be broadcast on ESPN3.com.

You'll find complete coverage of all the games during the series at www.pointstreak.com.

Weekly passes for the Big League Baseball World Series are $30 for adults, $15 for students and children under 5 are admitted free.

Daily tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for adults, children under 5 are free.

Championship game tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and children five and under are free.

It takes a lot of hard work behind the scenes from many people. from city officials to the more than 250 volunteers who help with each year's event, to make each year's Series successful. Patch will be bringing you stories from fans, volunteers, players and coaches. Be sure to check back with us here and on Facebook and Twitter throughout the series for photos and stories.