OUR STORY

A Message from Our Founder, Ryan Smith

Mill Town Baseball began as a dream rooted in personal experience. From 1990 to 2001, I grew up playing Little League locally, advanced to Fort Mill High School baseball, and later pitched at Charleston Southern University. Along the way, I developed not only as a ballplayer but also as a person, gaining life skills, an education, and lifelong relationships that shaped who I am today.

Fast forward to 2020, when my son was transitioning from rec coach pitch to kid pitch. I rallied a group of friends whose kids were eligible for one last season of coach pitch, convincing them to stick together and take a shot at the Dixie Youth World Series. They laughed but agreed to give it one more go.

By the summer of 2021, we were undefeated, riding on a 17-0 record through the district, state, and World Series tournaments. Our team capped the journey by stepping off a bus—fondly nicknamed Black Beauty—and winning the World Series championship game. The town celebrated our return with a police escort and a homecoming party at the field. Amid the excitement, someone asked me, “What’s next?” Without hesitation, I said, “We’re going to make this a baseball town.”

In November 2021, Mill Town Baseball hosted its first tryouts, hoping to form two teams. Instead, we launched with four. The following season, we doubled to eight teams, then grew to 11, 15, and now 18 teams with over 200 players. This explosive growth reflects the commitment we’ve made to doing things the right way.

At Mill Town, we prioritize strong coaching and solid communication. Our coaching staff includes former professional players, college players, and local legends who were part of Fort Mill High School’s state championship teams. Parents often tell us, “You all do things the right way.” When asked what they mean, they talk about the quality of our coaching, our clear communication, and the culture we’ve built—a unique vibe that keeps families coming back.

We’re not just building teams; we’re building a community. Mill Town Baseball is dedicated to turning Fort Mill into a baseball powerhouse. Our mission is to create an environment where young athletes develop life skills, character, and a passion for the game. One step at a time, we’re on a journey to make Fort Mill a baseball Mecca.