From Player to Coach: Pitching a New Baseball League in Laurens County

Baseball, for Ryland Culbertson, has always been more than just a game. It was a first love—one he left behind for another opportunity, but never quite forgot.

“Baseball for me was like the one that got away,” Culbertson said. “Once I decided to give up baseball and take the opportunity at Carolina for football, that was a big ‘breakup’ for me.”

Now, more than 15 years later, the sport is calling him back—but this time, in a different role. After coaching his son’s little league team this spring, Culbertson was hooked again. “That was all it took,” he said. “I fell for it again. Craved hitting BP, throwing bullpens—heck, even running poles.”

The return to the game rekindled a dream: starting an adult baseball league right here in Laurens County.

Culbertson began researching existing leagues, only to find the closest were in Greer and Charlotte. While those leagues offered high-level competition and even trips to a World Series in Las Vegas, they were expensive and time-consuming—two challenges for a self-employed father of three.

“I need something that would work for my family—and I’d assume most people around here have a lot going on, too,” he said.

That’s why he’s proposing a local league that’s accessible and flexible. His vision includes:

• One game per week, likely on Sunday evenings
• At least three teams, so there’s a bye week rotation
• Age groups like 18+, 25+, 35+, and 50+—depending on interest
• A season that runs from early spring through late fall

Culbertson hopes that once established, the league might even play the occasional away game against teams in nearby cities.

But first, he’ll need players, coaches, umpires, and—most importantly—fields. He plans to speak with Laurens Academy, Laurens District 55 High, and Clinton High School about using their baseball facilities. And he has high hopes of playing at Presbyterian College’s field someday. “Coach Pollock used to coach me, so hopefully he’ll let that happen one day,” Culbertson said.

To gauge interest, he’s launched a Facebook group, Laurens Adult Baseball League, as a “feeler” and says that if local engagement is strong, he’ll begin organizing this fall and winter with the goal of kicking off in spring 2026.

There are still plenty of details to iron out—from costs and uniforms to league certification and field reservations—but Culbertson is ready to take the swing.

“There’s a lot to figure out,” he admitted, “but I just love the game—and dearly miss it.”

Anyone interested in playing, coaching, umpiring, or helping organize is encouraged to join the conversation and be part of bringing baseball back to Laurens County—this time, for the adults who never stopped loving the game.