FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Twenty-years in the making, groundbreaking on a new indoor facility for the Flowery Branch baseball and softball programs took place last week at the Hog Mountain Sports Complex.
The ceremony was held on Monday, Nov. 28 for the building. The new 7,700-square-foot facility will house hitting/pitching tunnels, restrooms, and will also contain locker room and coaches office for both programs.
“Since the day I was hired in May of 2017, I have had a vision to create the best possible experience I could for the players in this program to succeed and develop," Branch baseball coach Joey Ray said. "Part of that vision was to build the best facilities possible for our players. This was truly a community effort, and it belongs to all of us. Everyone has played a role in getting this done. Thanks to the Classes of 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and all our current classes from this year's seniors all the way down to our current 6th grade class.”
Ray also wanted to bring attention to past and present players and their families who had pivotal roles in the fundraising efforts. Past Dugout Club Board members Ken Armstrong, Stacy Hatcher, Kelly Edwards and Amy Miller, current Board members Brian Moore, Amy Hammock, Diane Miller and Jamie Freeman, and support from the Baseball community including Bryan Pike, all contributed.
There also was help and support from Flowery Branch Principal, Dr. Jason Carter, and from former baseball coach and current Athletic Director Jimmy Lawler. Former Falcons player and current Kansas City Royals pitcher Brad Keller also contributed in fundraising efforts over the years.
However, Ray said the work is not finished.
“We will need absolutely everything from nets, turf, baseballs, mats, L-Screens, ball carts, tee's, portable mounds, home plates," Ray said.
