Orangeburg Welcomes New Team in Palmetto State League

Orangeburg, SC- March 11, 2026

The Players League is expanding into South Carolina, bringing collegiate summer baseball to the state through the newly established Palmetto State League. The city of Orangeburg will be home to the Garden City River Ducks, who will compete alongside the Clover Lucky Strikes and the Mauldin Mayos.   

Founded in 2023, The Players League has quickly established itself as a respected organization in collegiate summer baseball. Its flagship league, the Old North State League, operates in North Carolina and features 24 teams across four divisions. The league consistently attracts top collegiate talent from across the country, with more than ten former players advancing to professional baseball in 2025 alone.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this new franchise into our league family,” said Alec Allred, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Players League. “From day one, the enthusiasm and commitment from this community have been outstanding. We’re eager to see this team take the field and become a cornerstone of the league.”

John Nester, Commissioner of the Palmetto State league said “Orangeburg is an opportunity to step forward in the continued growth of the Palmetto State League. This city brings tremendous opportunity, strong local pride, and a passion for athletics that aligns perfectly with our mission. I’m confident Orangeburg will quickly become a vibrant home for summer collegiate baseball.” 

The Garden City River Ducks will play their home games at Mirmow Field and are scheduled to begin their inaugural season in June, with playoffs set for late July and early August. As a collegiate summer wood-bat team, the River Ducks will deliver high-level competition while providing affordable, family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer months.

The roster will feature top collegiate players from across the country, bringing an exciting brand of baseball to Orangeburg County. Beyond the action on the field, fans can look forward to themed nights, community events, youth engagement initiatives, and strong local partnerships — making River Ducks games a complete summer entertainment experience.

For more information on how to get involved with the Garden City River Ducks, please visit https://www.gardencityriverducks.com/.