Champions are Made in Mauldin Recreation.

As you know, we conducted a public input meeting on Wednesday, February 19 to discuss the past, present, and future of Mauldin Recreation’s spring baseball and softball programs.

This wasn’t a meeting where we said, “Here’s what we’re going to do.” This was a meeting where we said, “Tell us what you think. We’re going to sit here and listen.”

And for over two hours, we did.

With a crowded Mauldin Senior Center, City Administrator Trey Eubanks, Recreation Director Van Brannon, and I listened to what everyone had to say – from the good to the not so good.

We weren’t the only ones who listened. Council members Dale Black and Larry Goodson, along with Mayor Dennis Raines, listened, too.

The meeting contained frank comments about where our program was, where our participants perceive it being now, and where they want it to go in the future.

We compiled public comments and emails and are working to implement improvements where we can.

While this season won’t see the bulk of the changes because of the closeness to Opening Day, we’ll keep working to bring our programs back to the standards our residents (parents, coaches, and most importantly, our kids) expect.

If you aren’t playing spring sports in Mauldin Rec this year, know that we’ll miss you and that we hope to have you back for Fall Ball or next spring.

If you are playing in Mauldin Rec this spring, the weather is gradually getting warmer, the fields are being prepared by our Public Works grounds crews, and it’s almost time to yell, “Play Ball!”

Mauldin Recreation has a history of building champions, and it’s a history we’re proud of.

Before heading off to Spring Training, one of Mauldin’s champions recently went down to his old stomping grounds at Springfield Park.

He was a team leader who took Gamecock baseball to national championships in 2010 and 2011. He was College World Series “Most Outstanding Player” and is now a rising star in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Before that, he was a standout at Mauldin High School.

Still, Scott Wingo had to get his start somewhere. That somewhere was Mauldin Rec baseball, and he has a message for everybody getting ready for the season.

We’re still accepting registrations, so please call 864-335-4860, or come to the Mauldin Sports Center at 10 City Center Drive today.