Lake Oconee Wild Things

The Wild Things concluded their inaugural season in Lake Oconee in late July. Four months later, the team’s owner, Corey Schachter plans to make changes including a new coach, and more opportunities for community interaction. SKYLA MORRIS/File photo

The Wild Things concluded their inaugural season in Lake Oconee in late July. Four months later, the team’s owner, Corey Schachter plans to make changes including a new coach, and more opportunities for community interaction. SKYLA MORRIS/File photo

Wild Things returning to Lake Country

The 2025 season marked a significant milestone for the Lake Oconee Wild Things baseball program as the collegiate baseball team relocated to Greensboro under new ownership after previously competing at Reinhardt University in Waleska.
Wild Things Pitcher Luke Petruzzi had the summer of a lifetime, with his crosscountry trip to Lake Oconee. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Wild Things Pitcher Luke Petruzzi had the summer of a lifetime, with his crosscountry trip to Lake Oconee. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Wild Things pitcher Luke Petruzzi’s cross-country experience at Lake Oconee

The Lake Oconee Wild Things 2025 roster featured collegiate baseball athletes from numerous universities across the state and country. Several of the participating athletes traveled far to spend their summer in Lake Oconee and stayed with host families for their season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected former Pitcher Hayden Murphy in the 15th round of the 2025 MLB draft. Murphy’s addition to the Lake Oconee Wild Things marked one of the first SEC athlete appearances on the team. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected former Pitcher Hayden Murphy in the 15th round of the 2025 MLB draft. Murphy’s addition to the Lake Oconee Wild Things marked one of the first SEC athlete appearances on the team. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Wild Things’ Murphy selected in MLB Draft

Hayden Murphy, an Auburn baseball alum and current Lake Oconee Wild Things pitcher, was selected in the 2025 MLB draft on July 14. The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted the Chula native in the 15th round, as the 453rd pick overall.
The Lake Oconee Wild Things faced off against the Alpharetta Aviators on July 18-19, for their final home series of the season. The matchup marks the conclusion of the program’s inaugural season in Lake Oconee. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

The Lake Oconee Wild Things faced off against the Alpharetta Aviators on July 18-19, for their final home series of the season. The matchup marks the conclusion of the program’s inaugural season in Lake Oconee. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Wild Things end inaugural season in Lake Oconee

The Lake Oconee Wild Things faced off against the Alpharetta Aviators on July 18-19 in their final home appearance. The series conclusion marked the official end of the Sunbelt League team’s inaugural 2025 season.
Lake Oconee Wild Things pitcher Hayden Murphy (31) threw for three innings in his debut against the Atlanta Crackers on Friday, June 13. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Lake Oconee Wild Things pitcher Hayden Murphy (31) threw for three innings in his debut against the Atlanta Crackers on Friday, June 13. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Wild Things welcome SEC pitcher to roster

The Lake Oconee Wild Things recently signed Auburn pitcher Hayden Murphy to its roster, making him one of the first SEC athletes to join the team. Murphy made his Wild Things debut on June 13 in the team’s matchup with the Atlanta Crackers.
On May 27, the Wild Things hosted a split-team exhibition scrimmage prior to the weekend series. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

On May 27, the Wild Things hosted a split-team exhibition scrimmage prior to the weekend series. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Lake Oconee Wild Things host season opener

The Lake Oconee Wild Things kicked off their inaugural season on May 30-31, facing off against the Cartersville Canons at Lake Oconee Academy’s Titan Field.The program additionally hosted a seven-inning exhibition scrimmage on May 28 to showcase the new collegiate team.