The Lake Oconee Wild Things are closing out their second season in Greensboro with a chance to bring home a Sunbelt League championship.
The summer collegiate baseball team, which resumed play at Lake Oconee Academy after coming under new ownership in early 2025, earned its first playoff appearance in Greensboro and advanced to the league championship series with an 11-8 semifinal victory over the Atlanta Crackers on July 27.
The Wild Things were scheduled to open the championship series on the road July 31 against the winner of the Cartersville Cannons-Brookhaven Bucks semifinal, with Game 2 set for the following night at Lake Oconee Academy.
"Our second semifinal game was a real gutsy performance," owner Corey Schachter said. "We were down 5-0 for about four innings, then we had a really big inning to tie the game. The Crackers took the lead again, but our offense exploded, and we had another five-run inning."
Schachter said he is pleased with the direction of the organization after two seasons and believes the support from the community has played a major role in its success.
"Not only do we have a wonderful coaching staff and an upgraded roster of talent, but our community involvement and having more host families this year has helped us recruit better players," Schachter said. "A lot of people heard how much fun our players had last year, and that really helped with recruiting. We had a lot of players reaching out to us that we didn't even know."
He also praised the team's work ethic, recalling one player heading to the batting cages immediately after a late-night loss.
"We had a game that we lost, and it was 11:30 at night, and I saw Aiden Mixon going into the batting cages to work on his hitting," Schachter said. "These guys' work ethic and dedication are unbelievable. It's just a special group."
Schachter said he is equally proud of the players' impact away from the field, noting their involvement in youth camps, practices and other community events.
"This year we wanted to bring good people into our community, and it just happened to be a bonus that they were also really good ballplayers," Schachter said. "It's been something special, and I think our community has recognized that. These guys are great role models, great leaders and great ballplayers who are interacting with our youth."
Looking ahead, Schachter hopes to continue building the program and plans to invite eligible players to return next summer. He believes this year's team has distinguished itself with its depth and chemistry.
"We've had guys come off the bench who didn't get a lot of playing time, but when their opportunities came, they made the most of them," Schachter said. "They pick each other up, support each other, and I enjoy watching these guys play together more than watching a professional baseball team."