SCRAPPERS NOTES

SCRAPPERS NOTES
From Eastwood Field
One million customers: The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are quickly approaching their one millionth fan in attendance and the team has a special promotion in store for the lucky spectator. The team has drawn 985,827 fans to Eastwood Field in its existence and needs 14,173 more customers to reach the plateau. Averaging more than 4,000 fans per game, the Scrappers should reach the mark next Thursday against Tri-City. A promotional package for fan number 1,000,000 will include two season tickets for next season and two airplane tickets to Orlando, Fla.
Christmas in July: The team celebrated its first Christmas in July promotion. There was Santa Claus, a snowman and elves. Seasonal music seemed well-received. Even a mini-snowball fight was orchestrated. "We're [five] months away from Christmas," general manager Dave Smith said. "We can get the Christmas spirit today. We're going to see how it goes and try to make it an annual event."
One to watch: Tonight, pitcher Nelson Hiraldo makes his first start for the Scrappers. Earlier, he was with Lake County, chalking up a 6-6 record with a 5.38 ERA. Last season while pitching with Burlington, he won six games.
No excuses: Recently, two Scrappers pitchers -- Dan Cevette (3-0) and Chris Niesel (2-0) were promoted to Lake County. Manager Mike Sarbaugh discounted the theory that the loss of the pair destroyed the team. "We have guys who are capable of filling in for them," Sarbaugh said. "We haven't been scoring any offense, too, so that puts a lot of pressure on your pitching. Hey, next week we'll be telling how great the hitters are. It's just a cycle."
Bill Sullivan