Most people probably don’t know that one of the first recorded baseball games took place in 1846, played on a dusty field in New Jersey with rules that would look almost unrecognizable today. Since then, the sport has grown from an amateur pastime to a science of swing paths, pitch tunnels, and data-driven development. Yet despite the rise of technology, baseball still demands something beautifully old-fashioned: time, effort, and thousands of quiet reps no one else sees. It remains a game that molds character as much as talent.
Home Plate stands alone as a resource for would-be players. Founded in 2002, the local training facility is a cornerstone for players across Fayette and surrounding counties. What began as a modest 15,000-square-foot facility has grown into an awe-inspiring 37,000-square-foot complex that draws in athletes of all ages and skill levels.
When Walker Searcy purchased Home Plate from its original owner in 2016, he knew he wanted to do more than just run a business; he wanted to build a community. In 2021, he partnered with Ryan Childs, who had once worked at Home Plate years earlier. Both men grew up in the immediate area and played baseball through high school and college. Their shared love for the game and their deep local roots have become the foundation of everything they do.
“Baseball is just one of those things where if it’s in your blood, it’s in there, and you can’t shake it,” Ryan says. “It’s hard to step away from the game when you love it as much as we do.”
That passion is evident in every corner of the facility. With 18 batting cages, 4 pitching lanes, a 6,500-square-foot weight room, a physical therapist, chiropractor, and training staff in the weight room, Home Plate offers players access to the kind of resources once reserved for collegiate and professional athletes. Just 150 yards from the front door lies their state-of-the-art turf field, making the complex one of the best in Georgia. Ryan laughs, “If I had walked in here at 16, I might not have ever left.”
Home Plate is more than equipment and space. It’s about mentorship, perseverance, and opportunity. “Walker and I do this to instill the love of the game and teach the game the way we were taught to play it,” Ryan explains. “Not just from a fundamental standpoint, but the whole approach to the game.” Walker adds, “It’s about passing it forward to the next generation.”
The partner’s “why” is deeply personal. Walker, who is a father, says, “I have kids, and I’d love for them to come through Home Plate one day.”
Every year, they help hundreds of players map their path forward, from youth leagues to collegiate play. With HitTrax technology for batting and Rapsodo analytics for hitting and pitching, Home Plate provides real-time data that helps players fine-tune their mechanics. Every two to three years, the coaching team sits down to evaluate progress and adjust training plans. “It’s a place where you can come and grind it out,” Walker says. “Get what you train for.”
Their results speak volumes. Out of all high school players nationwide, only about 7% go on to play in college. But since Walker took ownership, more than 400 Home Plate athletes have advanced to the next level.
Beyond the metrics and milestones, both men emphasize character development. “Baseball is one of the biggest character-building sports there is,” Ryan reflects. “Every parent wants the best for their kid, but the hardest part is allowing them to fail because that’s how they truly get better.”
For both Ryan and Walker, the success of Home Plate is about shaping good athletes and better people. They are quick to credit their families for supporting the dream. “We couldn’t do what we do without our wives,” Ryan says, referring to his wife Caitlin and Walker’s wife Amanda.
Home Plate Baseball has grown into a place where commitment and opportunity meet - a space built intentionally for athletes who want to work hard, grow deeper, and chase something bigger right in their own backyard.
Home Plate Baseball is located at 611 Highway 74 South in Peachtree City. Visit www.homeplate1.com or call 770-631-3044 for more information.
The Benefits of Playing Baseball ... especially at Home Plate:
- Builds Full-Body Strength: Swinging, throwing, and running develop power and coordination.
- Sharpens Mental Focus: Players learn to track the ball and make quick decisions.
- Strengthens Teamwork: Communication and trust grow through shared roles.
- Boosts Heart Health: Short bursts of movement support cardiovascular fitness.
- Builds Resilience: Frequent failure teaches patience and perseverance.
- Improves Hand-Eye Coordination: Tracking fast pitches sharpens precision.
- Increases Confidence: Small successes reinforce self-belief.
- Encourages Healthy Activity: Provides structured physical exercise.
- Teaches Strategy: Players learn situational awareness and smart decision making.
- Provides Community: Teams foster friendships, support, and a sense of belonging.