By: Austin Alexander, Cory Welch & Chipper Johnson – April 14-17, 2025
-Miller repeats at sun splashed FAC, spring break baseball at its finest-
When Spring Break rolls around in the Midlands, one event has stood the test of time for over two decades: the Forest Acres Classic. Once again, Falcon Field and the AC Flora grounds were in pristine condition, thanks to the hard work of the baseball staff and Modern Turf, who had the playing surface looking spectacular.
As with any outdoor event, the weather plays a big role—and this year, Mother Nature delivered. The 2025 edition enjoyed clear skies and ideal temperatures throughout, with only a touch of midday warmth that was hardly worth a complaint.
This year’s field was as competitive as ever, featuring seven in-state programs and one out-of-state powerhouse. Host AC Flora welcomed Cardinal Newman, Airport, River Bluff, Lexington, Lugoff-Elgin, Hammond and The Miller School, a perennial contender out of Virginia. The format featured three days of pool play, followed by a third-place game and a championship matchup on the final day, capped off with an awards ceremony.
With so many high-level programs in attendance, there’s no shortage of standout prospects to highlight. As Spring Break tournaments wrap up across the Palmetto State, we now begin shifting focus toward key region battles and the fast-approaching playoffs. But first, let’s shift to the action between the lines!
Championship Thursday – Third Place Game: Lexington vs River Bluff
Thursday’s morning game served as an appetizer for the Region IV-5A matchup next week, Lexington vs River Bluff; two longtime rivals that also lay claim to the past two 5A state championships. Brayden Studebaker worked 5.2 innings allowing two runs and held the Gators bats at bay long enough for Graham Coleman to drive a triple high off the wall that scored three. Owen Watts worked the final 4 outs to preserve the Wildcat victory. Both teams square off again Tuesday to settle the league title next week. Final Score: Lexington 8 River Bluff 4
Championship Thursday – Title Game: Miller School vs AC Flora
AC Flora paraded three arms making their varsity debuts and nearly pulled off a W versus a loaded Miller School squad. Zach Snead’s 2-run bomb to right and Dylan Hernandez’ RBI-double paced a three-run first for the Falcons. The Mustangs quickly answered with a homer from Tennessee-bound Evan Hankins’ solo job to begin chipping away at the Falcon lead. Two Miller runs in the fifth and the go-ahead double in the sixth broke the tie and proved to be enough for the visitors from Virginia who have now repeated as the FAC’s champion. Final: Miller 5 AC Flora 4
Cooperstown at FAC: Once again, The Miller School made an appearance at the Forest Acres Classic—a quality program out of Virginia led by none other than Billy Wagner. Up until recently, Coach Wagner was best known as a household name in Major League Baseball, where he “turned out the lights” in 422 games. This summer he will be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame—an incredibly well-deserved honor for one of the greatest closers of our time, and now, one of the most impactful coaches in the game.
This week, we had the opportunity to watch him work with his team and pour into the next generation of players. It was a pleasure watching his program compete, and we wish them all the best this spring. Congratulations, Coach Wagner—you’re truly one of the best in the business!
-Fist Bumps-
DP Thank You: A big thank-you to AC Flora Head Coach Andy Hallett for the incredible hospitality. Coach Hallett, his staff, and all the Forest Acres Classic volunteers went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed to provide a great platform for the players. We were grateful for the opportunity to post up behind the backstop all week!
Web Gem on Steroids: In Opening Day’s Game, River Bluff SS Ab Wilkerson had just entered the contest and pursued a low pop up into shallow leftfield and toward the line. His fully outstretched and totally airborne snag was easily the top play in the FAC and perhaps witnessed this spring. Outstanding effort from the sophomore infielder on a big play in a big situation for his club…In the honorable mention category, you will find AC Flora’s Charlie Scott with a big diving catch to end a Tuesday threat and Brandon Cromer’s patrol of the outfield lawn that include a handful of long running snares in every direction, also a couple banging into the wall.
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