Celebrate proud past, rich future for Scrappers

Celebrate proud past, rich future for Scrappers

Let the party begin!

As the Mahoning Valley Scrappers take to Eastwood Field tonight for the start of their 10th anniversary season, our team, its fans and the community have much to celebrate.

On June 25, 1999, the Class A baseball franchise debuted at the then-named Cafaro Field to the delight of thousands of psyched-up fans. But even so, the pervasive pessimistic Valley mindset had some predicting the team would collapse by the end of its first season.

Today, those naysayers have been slammed in the face with the reality of a decade of Scrapping success. Consider:

The team has consistently performed with strong to excellent play, landing three times in the New York-Penn League playoffs and capturing the 2004 league championship.

The franchise boasts one of the highest attendance levels in the league. In fact, within weeks, the Scrappers will welcome their 1.5 millionth fan to the stadium.

The Scrappers have fielded what would become some of the superstars of the Cleveland Indians and Major League baseball — including C.C. Sabathia, Victor Martinez, Ryan Garko and Fausto Carmona.

Perhaps most importantly, the team and its organization have given back a bounty of benefits to their home base.

In 2007, the team supported more than 400 community groups in the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman metro area through Scrappy mascot appearances, donations and fundraisers.

The team also wields a considerable summertime impact on the local economy through its full-time staff and scores of game-night workers. The Scrappers also offer valuable internships each summer for college students training in marketing, operations and other fields.

Ripple effects of the 3,500 to 4,000 game night fans reverberate in nearby restaurants, bars, nightclubs and retail establishments.

The future with Fryman

While celebrating the past, we’re also counting on one of the best seasons on record this year. Fans can do their part by being there to make this a record-breaking attendance year.

One former Major League superstar will no doubt attract some new faces to Eastwood Field. Travis Fryman, who spent 13 sensational seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians, joins the Scrappers this year as team manager, and many fans are likely counting on his talent and experience to fortify the team.

In addition, as gas prices continue to accelerate, more and more Valley residents will be looking for leisure-time options closer to home. As such, the Scrappers become an even more inviting option. The team also provides its fans with a variety of fun (fireworks shows, theme nights) and economical (Buck Night Thursdays) promotions in one of the most beautiful ballparks in the Minor Leagues.

Although the team is a member of the short-season Class A league, the Scrappers have always been long on fun, entertainment value and community impact. Here’s hoping for a sellout crowd at tonight’s home opener against Williamsport and a 10th anniversary championship season to remember.