Easley Doodlebugs to begin inaugural season at Alice Ballpark in June
By Sarah Scott
The Players League has expanded into South Carolina, bringing collegiate summer baseball to the Palmetto State through the newly established Palmetto State League. The city of Easley will be home to the Easley Doodlebugs, who will compete alongside the Greer Shifters.
Founded in 2023, The Players League has quickly established itself as a respected organization in collegiate summer baseball. Its flagship league, the Old North State League, operates in North Carolina and features 24 teams across four divisions. The league consistently attracts top collegiate talent from across the country, with more than 10 former players advancing to professional baseball in 2025 alone.
“It was a no-brainer to bring a team to Easley, South Carolina.” said Alec Allred, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Players League. “We love the community and all that it represents.”
The Easley Doodlebugs will play their home games at Alice Mills Ballpark and are scheduled to begin their inaugural season in June, with playoffs set for late July and early August. As a collegiate summer wood-bat team, the Doodlebugs will deliver high-level competition while providing affordable, family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer months.
“Easley has a rich tradition of supporting athletics, and we are thrilled to expand the Palmetto State League into this community. I believe Easley will provide an outstanding environment for collegiate athletes to compete and develop, while offering fans a high-energy, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the summer.” -John Nester, Commissioner, Palmetto State League
The roster will feature top collegiate players from across the country, bringing an exciting brand of baseball to Pickens County. Beyond the action on the field, fans can look forward to themed nights, community events, youth engagement initiatives, and strong local partnerships — making Doodlebugs games a complete summer entertainment experience.
Easley Doodlebugs name Michael McGaha as General Manager
The Easley Doodlebugs are proud to announce Michael McGaha as the organization’s General Manager, bringing decades of experience in sports, leadership, and community engagement to the club as it prepares for its inaugural season.
McGaha steps into the role with a clear vision and excitement about building something meaningful from the ground up.
“This is an exciting opportunity to be an architect of a new legacy and build this program from the ground up,” said McGaha.
“Easley is a perfect market for this venture, and I’m looking forward to seeing the community embrace this team and rally behind it.”
Fans can expect a high-quality baseball product paired with a memorable game-day experience.
“Fans can expect pro-level development and a dynamic college baseball team in a small-town setting at a historic ballpark,” McGaha said. “This creates a unique, family-friendly entertainment option where fans can come out and watch future stars of the game.”
McGaha’s passion for baseball and player development played a major role in his decision to take on this opportunity.
“What drew me to this position is the love of the game,” he said. “I want to enhance the game-day atmosphere and continue mentoring young men by helping them gain exposure to future opportunities both on and off the field.”
A native of Greenville, South Carolina, McGaha brings a diverse and accomplished professional background to the Doodlebugs. He spent five years working in stadium operations with the Atlanta National League Baseball Club and earned his degree in Sports Administration from the University of South Carolina. He later worked in the sports industry as a regional sales manager with Dunlop Golf before dedicating 26 years to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.
Throughout his career, McGaha has remained deeply connected to the game, coaching for 13 years with a focus on player development, leadership, and mentorship.
With McGaha leading the way, the Easley Doodlebugs are positioned to become a cornerstone of community entertainment, combining competitive collegiate baseball with a strong emphasis on development, character, and connection.
Easley Doodlebugs named Jordan Spearman as Head Coach
The Easley Doodlebugs are proud to announce Jordan Spearman as the team’s inaugural Head Coach, bringing a strong baseball background, local ties, and a passion for player development to the organization’s first season.
A native of Central, South Carolina, just minutes from Easley, Spearman is deeply connected to the Upstate baseball community. He played collegiate baseball at North Greenville University after spending two years at Catawba Valley Community College in North Carolina. Since his playing career, Spearman has remained heavily involved in the game, coaching travel baseball with Klutch Baseball, providing private instruction to young athletes, and working with Prep Baseball Report as a scout for high school games and showcase events.
“Being able to lead this team, especially as a first-year program, means a lot to me,” said Spearman. “I’ve grown up around baseball in this area, and I’m excited for the opportunity to bring another level of the game to Easley.”
Spearman’s vision for success extends beyond the scoreboard. While building a competitive team is important, his primary focus is on developing players both on and off the field.
“Success isn’t just measured by wins and losses,” Spearman explained. “It’s about the growth of each individual, learning how to play the game the right way, with energy and passion, and becoming better both as players and as people.”
Having previously played in the Old North State League (ONSL), Spearman understands the lasting impact summer collegiate baseball can have on players. He looks forward to creating an environment that fosters both development and lifelong memories.
“Some of my best memories as a player came from summer ball,” he said. “You meet guys from all over, build relationships, and create bonds that last well beyond the game. I want this experience to be just as meaningful for our players.”
Beyond the field, Spearman is committed to making the Doodlebugs a positive force within the Easley community. With a strong youth baseball presence already in the area, he sees this team as an opportunity to inspire and connect with the next generation of players.
“I want this team to represent more than just baseball,” said Spearman. “We want to be a positive addition to the community and give young players a chance to see what collegiate baseball is all about, while showing them how to approach the game the right way.”
As the Easley Doodlebugs prepare for their inaugural season, the organization is confident that Spearman’s leadership, experience, and local roots will set the foundation for a strong and lasting presence in the community.