Great South League
Encyclopedia
The Great South League is a collegiate summer baseball league which comprises teams located in the states of Georgia
, Florida
, Alabama
, South Carolina
, North Carolina
, and Virginia. Teams consist of current college baseball players from the JUCO, NAIA
, and NCAA levels who wish to further their skills by practicing and playing during the summer off-season.
. After two successful seasons of playing ball, the GCL formally adopted the new name, the Great South League, and expanded to include 12 teams in the states of Georgia
, Florida
, and Alabama
for the 2008 season. Currently, the GSL has four divisions with 24 teams spread across the Southeast. The GSL seeks to allow college baseball players of all intercollegiate levels continue their development and improve their style of play. Bill Park has served as the Leagues President since 2007 becoming Commissioner in 2010 upon the retirement of founding Commissioner, Harvey Cochran.
North Division
East Division
West Division
South Division
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, and Virginia. Teams consist of current college baseball players from the JUCO, NAIA
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
, and NCAA levels who wish to further their skills by practicing and playing during the summer off-season.
History of the Great South League
In the fall of 2005, the Georgia Collegiate League was founded by the Georgia Dugout Club in order to promote wood-bat summer league baseball within the state of GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. After two successful seasons of playing ball, the GCL formally adopted the new name, the Great South League, and expanded to include 12 teams in the states of Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, and Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
for the 2008 season. Currently, the GSL has four divisions with 24 teams spread across the Southeast. The GSL seeks to allow college baseball players of all intercollegiate levels continue their development and improve their style of play. Bill Park has served as the Leagues President since 2007 becoming Commissioner in 2010 upon the retirement of founding Commissioner, Harvey Cochran.
Current Teams of the GSL
At Large DivisionTeam Name | Location | Joined GSL | Home field |
---|---|---|---|
Tennessee Styx | Chattanooga, TN | 2010 | Engel Stadium |
North Division
Team Name | Location | Joined GSL | Home Field |
---|---|---|---|
Catawba Valley Stars http://www.eteamz.com/catawbavalleystars/ | Hickory Hickory, North Carolina Hickory is a city in Catawba County, North Carolina. Hickory has the 162nd largest urban area in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 341,851, making it the 4th largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. The city's population was 37,222... , North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte... |
2009 | L.P. Frans Stadium (Hickory Crawdads Hickory Crawdads The Hickory Crawdads are a Minor League Baseball team in Hickory, North Carolina, USA. They are a Class A team in the South Atlantic League, and have been a farm team of the Texas Rangers since 2009. Previously, they were a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Crawdads play home games... ) / Lenoir Rhyne College Field |
Carolina Hurricanes | Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009... , North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte... |
2009 | TBA |
Central Virginia | Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 75,568 as of 2010. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills" or "The Hill City." Lynchburg was the only major city in... , Virginia Virginia The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there... |
2009 | TBA |
Fuquay-Varina Twins http://fvtwins.org/ | Fuquay-Varina Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina Fuquay-Varina is a town in Wake County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 7,898 at the 2000 census. In 2009, the population was estimated to be 17,910. The town is a 30-minute drive south of Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina... , North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte... |
2009 | Harnett Central High School Field |
Kernersville Bulldogs http://www.kernersvillecollegiate.com/ | Kernersville Kernersville, North Carolina Kernersville is a town in Forsyth County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 17,126 at the 2000 census. In 2007 the U.S. Census estimated the town's population at 22,309. Kernersville is located at the heart of the Piedmont Triad metropolitan area, which consists of the cities... , North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte... |
2009 | Glenn High School Field |
West Virginia Wild http://www.eteamz.com/PulaskiPiratescollegiate/ | [Bluefield, W. Virginia] | 2010 | Bluefield State College |
Roanoke Rails | Roanoke Roanoke, Virginia Roanoke is an independent city in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. state of Virginia and is the tenth-largest city in the Commonwealth. It is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population within the city limits was 97,032 as of 2010... , Virginia Virginia The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there... |
2009 | TBA |
East Division
Team Name | Location | Joined GSL | Home Field |
---|---|---|---|
Athens Pirates http://www.athenspirates.com/ | Athens Athens, Georgia Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2006 | Cedar Shoals High School |
Augusta Nationals | Augusta Augusta, Georgia Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2008 | Jaguar Field (Augusta State University Augusta State University Augusta State University is a public university located in Augusta, Georgia, United States and is the oldest institution in the state of Georgia .... ) |
Ty Cobb Reds | Ty Cobb Reds Franklin Springs, Georgia Franklin Springs is a city in Franklin County, Georgia, United States. The population was 762 at the 2000 census. Emmanuel College is located here.-Geography:Franklin Springs is located at .... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2010 | Emmanuel College Field |
GSA Macon Giants | Macon Macon, Georgia Macon is a city located in central Georgia, US. Founded at the fall line of the Ocmulgee River, it is part of the Macon metropolitan area, and the county seat of Bibb County. A small portion of the city extends into Jones County. Macon is the biggest city in central Georgia... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2006 | Luther Williams Field Luther Williams Field Luther Williams Field is a baseball stadium in Macon, Georgia, and is the home of the Macon Pinetoppers of the Peach State League and the Macon State College Blue Storm. It was built in 1929, and is the centerpiece of Central City Park in Macon. Today, it is the second-oldest minor league stadium... |
AWBIL Raiders | Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
2010 | Mundy's Mill High School Mundy's Mill High School Mundy's Mill High School is a public school in the Clayton County Public Schools system.-External Links:*... |
AWBIL Royals | tlanta, Georgia | 2009, 2010 | Mundy's Mill High School Mundy's Mill High School Mundy's Mill High School is a public school in the Clayton County Public Schools system.-External Links:*... |
- A^ Inaugural season delayed to 2010.
- B^ Played as a single team prior to 2009 season.
West Division
Team Name | Location | Joined GSL | Home Field |
---|---|---|---|
Cobb Premier Stars | Cobb County Cobb County, Georgia Cobb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. Its county seat and largest city is Marietta, which is located in the center of the county. The county was named for Thomas Willis Cobb, who in the early 19th century was a United States representative and senator from Georgia... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2009 | Pebblebrook High School, Mableton GA |
East Alabama Big Train East Alabama Big Train The East Alabama Big Train are a collegiate summer baseball team playing in the Great South League. The team owner, Curtis Bumgarner, is also the founder. The team is coached by Roberto Martinez and plays its home games at Henry Farms in Jacksonville, Alabama... http://www.eteamz.com/bigtrain/ |
Oxford Oxford, Alabama Oxford is a city in Calhoun and Talladega counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. The population was 14,592 at the 2000 census. Oxford is one of two principal cities of and included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area... , Alabama Alabama Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland... |
2008 | Oxford High School Field |
Newnan Braves | Newnan Newnan, Georgia Newnan is a city in Coweta County, Georgia, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. The population was 16,242 at the 2000 Census. Newnan is one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia, with an estimated population of 27,097 in 2006 and 33,293 in July 2008... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2009 | Joe Pope Field (Newnan High School), Hawks Field (The Heritage School) |
Columbus Wood Bats | Columbus Columbus, Georgia Columbus is a city in and the county seat of Muscogee County, Georgia, United States, with which it is consolidated. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 189,885. It is the principal city of the Columbus, Georgia metropolitan area, which, in 2009, had an estimated population of 292,795... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2009 | Charles F. Ragsdale Field (Columbus State University Columbus State University Columbus State University is a public institution of higher learning located in Columbus, Georgia. Founded as Columbus College in 1958, the university was established and is administered by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and is fully accredited by the Commission on... ) |
Georgia Stars | Lagrange, Georgia LaGrange, Georgia LaGrange is a city in Troup County, Georgia, United States. It is named after the country estate near Paris of the Marquis de La Fayette, who visited the area in 1825. The population was 24,998 at the 2000 census... |
2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 | La Grange College |
Defunct and Former Teams
Team Name | Location | Seasons | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Columbus Chain | Columbus Columbus, Georgia Columbus is a city in and the county seat of Muscogee County, Georgia, United States, with which it is consolidated. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 189,885. It is the principal city of the Columbus, Georgia metropolitan area, which, in 2009, had an estimated population of 292,795... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2008 | Scheduled to compete in the South Division, never played a game due to management team. | |
Conyers Miracle | Conyers Conyers, Georgia Conyers is the only city in Rockdale County, Georgia, USA. It is twenty-four miles east of Atlanta. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 10,689. Census estimates of 2005 indicate a population of 12,205. The city is the county seat of Rockdale County. By 2009, the reported population was... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2006–2008 | ||
Georgia Stars | LaGrange LaGrange, Georgia LaGrange is a city in Troup County, Georgia, United States. It is named after the country estate near Paris of the Marquis de La Fayette, who visited the area in 1825. The population was 24,998 at the 2000 census... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
Charter Member | 2006–2008 | |
Mentium Athletics | Conyers Conyers, Georgia Conyers is the only city in Rockdale County, Georgia, USA. It is twenty-four miles east of Atlanta. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 10,689. Census estimates of 2005 indicate a population of 12,205. The city is the county seat of Rockdale County. By 2009, the reported population was... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2008 | ||
Windward Academy | Windward Braves Alpharetta, Georgia -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 34,854 people, 13,911 households, and 8,916 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,631.6 people per square mile . There were 14,670 housing units at an average density of 686.7 per square mile... , Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
2006–2009 | ||
Thomasville Bombers | 2006–2009 | |||
Florida Legends | 2008–2009 | |||
World of Baseball Angels | 2009 | |||
NCF Baseball Stars | 2009 | |||
St Augustine Saints | 2008, 2009 |
Future Teams
In a series of press releases, the Great South League announced it would again expand in the 2011 season, to 30 teams in a seven state area. Likewise, the 2010 season will feature three divisions, each with 5-6 teams plus an "At Large" division. The North Division will consist of seven members joining from the Carolina-Virginia League. Meanwhile, the East and West Divisions will consist of both new teams and current members. A new team, the Tennessee Styx, will be in the "At Large" Division. The GSL has announced expansion plans for 2011 with two new Divisions, Northwest including teams from Tennessee: Knoxville, Athens, Cleveland, and Chattanooga TN and a Metro Atlanta Division consisting of 6 teams.Championship History
Season | Champion | Record |
---|---|---|
2006 | Georgia Stars | N/A |
2007 | Athens Pirates | 29-11 |
2008 | North Florida Legends | 22-6-1 |
2009 | Thomasville Bombers | 18-16-1 |
2010 | Newnan Braves |
2008 Final Standings
North DivisionTeam | Record |
---|---|
Athens | 18-13 |
Windward Academy | 16-13 |
Augusta | 16-17 |
Mentium | 11-21 |
Conyers | 12-23 |
Georgia Sports Academy | 4-17 |
South Division
Team | Record |
---|---|
North Florida | 22-6-1 |
East Alabama | 19-8 |
Georgia | 12-9 |
Thomasville | 16-16-1 |
St. Augustine | 9-12 |