July 20 was Easley Chamber Night at the Greenville Drive baseball new West End Field. The game was a sellout with 5347 in attendance at the new ballpark. Easley was very well represented with at least 410 attending through the Easley Chamber of Commerce. Savannah took an early lead and held it until the 8th inning when the Greenville Drive advanced and took the lead with a 2 to 1 victory.

Alvin Dark, 30-year major league player and manager and local resident threw out the first pitch. His “relief” pitcher was Ray Williams, 4-year Seattle Mariner player and local Allstate Insurance Agency owner also threw out the pitch. Miss SC 2005 Erika Powell sang a powerful “Stars Spangle Banner” national anthem to start off the game. 7th inning stretch was special when Ray Williams sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” for the crowd.

Another Easley participant was Chris Mann of the city council who manned the scoreboard. Bailey Pittman, age 4 son of Mr. and Mrs. Blake Pittman of Easley, ran the bases with the Drive’s mascot Reedy Ripit.

Terry Garrison, Garrison’s Tax service summarized it well. “This was my first time at the park and I was very impressed. The Greenville Drive staff was very friendly and efficient. They all spoke to us and made us welcome. Parking was easy and the ballpark was very open and easy to get around. I will go back”

Nate Lipscomb, VP of the Greenville Drive said “this was the first community night the Drive has had and the Easley Chamber of Commerce did a good job in mobilizing this event.”

“Special thanks go to Nicholas Bolding and Jessica Berkshire of the Greenville Drive who coordinated all activities with the Easley Chamber of Commerce.” stated Kent Dykes of the Chamber.