Scrappers will honor successful alumni

By Pete Mollica

Fourteen former Mahoning Valley players are on MLB rosters.

NILES — The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have had many outstanding players over their first nine years at Eastwood Field.

Now starting their 10th season, which begins tonight at 7:05 when they take on the Williamsport Crosscutters, the team’s front office is making plans to honor those past standouts.

Early this season, fans will be able to vote for their all-time favorite Scrappers player.

“We felt that since this is the 10th season we wanted to do something for all those players who have helped to make this organization a success the past nine years,” Scrappers GM Dave Smith said.

The Scrappers already have put out huge photo banners on the light pole standards around the entrances at Eastwood Field with pictures and names of the former Scrappers who made the major leagues.

Six former Scrappers are playing with the Indians with eight others on major league rosters.

Former Scrappers now with the Indians are C.C. Sabathia (1999), Victor Martinez (1999), Fausto Carmona (2002), Ben Francisco (2002), Ryan Garko (2003) and Aaron Laffey (2004).

The former Scrappers now with other major league teams include Josh Bard (Padres), Chad Durbin (Tigers), Ryan Church (Mets) and Kevin Kouzmanoff (Padres). Joe Inglett, Hector Luna, John McDonald and Brian Tallet are with the Blue Jays.

The results of the fan vote will be announced during the season, Smith said.

The Scrappers also will bring back their regular promotional deals this year.

“We’ll always have fireworks on Friday and Sunday nights and Thursday will always be ‘Buck night,’ while our other promotions will be alternated over the season,” Smith said.

“This year, we are trying something new to get our youths more involved with the Scrappers,” Smith said. “Every Tuesday will be ‘Youth Sports Tuesday’ and any kids who wear their team uniform shirts, baseball, soccer or whatever, will get into the game for just $1.”

This is Smith’s 13th season in minor league baseball and fifth as Scrappers GM.

As GM, he is responsible for the day-to-day business operations for the Indians’ Class A affiliate.

He joined the Scrappers in the fall of 1999 and served as assistant GM through 2003.

Prior to joining the Scrappers, he spent three seasons with the Erie SeaWolves, a Class AA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, as the director of group sales from 1997-1998 and the assistant GM in 1999.

His professional baseball career began in 1996 with the Richmond Braves, a Class AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, working in the ticket office and group sales department.

Smith remains active in the local community, serving on the board of directors for the Regional Chamber, Trumbull County Tourism Bureau (President) and Youngstown Area Goodwill. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Warren and Trumbull 100.

Originally from Hershey, Pa., smith is a 1995 graduate of Virginia Tech. He lives in Howland with his wife, Alyson.