Palm Coast Summer College Baseball Team Gets Facility Usage Approval

The Palm Coast Big Buoys baseball team received approval from the City Council on Tuesday to play their games at the Indian Trails Sports Complex. The team is part of a newly-established Orange State League, a summer wood-bat baseball league for collegiate players. Under this newly-approved facility use agreement, the Big Buoys will utilize Field 2 at the Indian Trails Sports Complex when their season starts on June 1. In their season, which lasts through July 26, the Big Buoys will face three other teams: the Cocoa Tailgators, New Smyrna Gnarlies, and St. Augustine Sardines. According to their team website, the Palm Coast Big Buoys will feature college baseball players from around the United States to compete in Central Florida during the summer. Unlike in NCAA baseball, where players use aluminum bats, the four Orange State League teams will be using wood bats like the teams in Major and Minor League Baseball. "This agreement is an exciting opportunity for Palm Coast residents and for the continued growth of athletics in our community," said Palm Coast Parks & Recreation Director James Hirst. "I'd like to thank the Palm Coast City Council for supporting this partnership and helping bring collegiate summer baseball to the Indian Trails Sports Complex. This creates another way for residents and families to come together, enjoy affordable entertainment, and experience high-level baseball right here in Palm Coast." The first home game at Indian Trails Sports Complex for the Palm Coast Big Buoys takes place on Wednesday, June 17 against the New Smyrna Gnarlies. This game will be 'Faith and Family Night', according to a release from the Palm Coast city government. The game starts at 7:00 p.m., and ticket prices range from $5.72 to $11.63. Prior to the addition of the Palm Coast Big Buoys, Flagler County did not have any baseball leagues above the high school level. The closest location to watch the game for years has been Daytona Beach's Jackie Robinson Ballpark, home of the Daytona Tortugas (a minor league affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds) and Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.