EASLEY—With things running smoothly each year for the Big League World Series, it has been assumed that Little League officials would choose to have the tournament remain in Easley for at least another season.

Still, when official word came from South Williamsport, Pa., last week, officials breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Many other localities were hoping to lure one of the eight baseball and softball tournaments sponsored by Little League away from its current home, bringing the tourism associated with the event. But last week Little League officials announced all eight will remain at their current sights for the 2010 season.

Tournament director Jon Humphrey said the people of Easley make the difference.

“Our volunteers are what keeps the tournament coming back to Easley,” Humphrey said. “We’ve got so many people working to make sure the week is a positive experience for every one who attends, regardless of their team’s results on the field.”

While Humphrey was pleased with the results last season, he continues to look for ways to make the Big League World Series better.

“When we start planning each year, our first thought is how can we make it even better this time,” Humphrey said. “I think that attitude of wanting to always improve things for the players, coaches, parents and fans keeps the tournament exciting for all of us.”

The sites for the eight championship tournaments remained the same for the seventh consecutive year.

Big League Baseball, the oldest age division sponsored by Little League International, will have its 41st World Series tournament beginning July 28.

The four softball tournaments then take center stage beginning with the Big League tournament in Kalamazoo, Mich. on Aug. 5. The Senior League (Lower Sussex, Del.) begins its championship on Aug. 8, and is followed by the Little League (Portland, Ore.) division on Aug. 12, and the Junior League (Kirkland, Wash.) on Aug. 15.

Junior League (Taylor, Mich.) and Senior League (Bangor, Maine) Baseball tournaments also begin on Aug. 15 before the Little League Baseball World Series begins its 10-day run on Aug. 20 in South Williamsport, Pa.

Little League Baseball and Softball is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.6 million players and 1 million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries.