Scrappers make big plans for 10th season in Valley

By Greg Gulas

The minor league team has attracted 1.5 million fans in its first nine seasons.

BOARDMAN — As the Mahoning Valley Scrappers get ready to celebrate their 10th season as a minor league baseball franchise, the organization is working diligently to spread the word to area fans about the many promotions they have planned for the upcoming anniversary season.

Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during their weekly gathering at the Blue Wolf Banquet Center, Scrappers general manager Dave Smith confirmed that those in attendance this season will be in for a nightly treat.

”The goal of the organization is to provide fun, affordable family entertainment while building long term relationships in the community. This is the year to come out and see us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary season,” Smith said.

Summarizing the Scrappers’ first nine seasons was easy for Smith, who arrived in 1999 as assistant general manager and was promoted to the top post in 2004.

“We’ve had tremendous community support our first nine seasons with over 1.5 million fans attending a Scrappers game. We’ve averaged between 3,700-4,000 fans [per game] each season so that in itself is shows you how the area has accepted our product.

“Being competitive on the field has also helped. We have a quality product to watch, winning the 2004 New York-Penn League title while playing for the title on three occasions with an ever changing roster,” he added.

The challenges the organization will face this year are no different than what other franchises will face. Increasing costs for promotions and other team expenses will make it challenging to keep prices down and affordable at the same time.

Smith feels that the Scrappers have done an exemplary job in the latter area.

This year’s complete promotional schedule will be released shortly, but Smith did note that Mahoning Valley will stage “Buck Nights” on Thursday; host fireworks shows after not only their Friday home games, but on Sunday (13 in all) as well; add an “All You Can Eat” ticket to their Monday package; will reach out to area youth programs with their “Youth Sports Day” on Tuesday while their ever-popular Holiday Series (i.e. Christmas in July, etc.) is back on Wednesday nights.

Added this year for Saturday games will be a special “Giveaway Night” as they honor the likes of middleweight boxing champion Kelly Pavlik and manager Travis Fryman among others.

“The aforementioned is just a sampling of what we have in store. Jersey promotions, entertainment and special appearances are also on tap throughout the season as well,” he stated.

The current ownership of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Palisades Baseball, has been the driving force behind the team during its first nine years of operation.

This year, however, there will be support from two ownership groups as the HWS Group, led by managing general partner Michael Savit, will begin their first season of a three-year transition period, preparing eventually for full ownership after completion of the 2010 campaign.

The group is well-respected on the minor league circuit as they own two other baseball franchises; the Modesto Nuts, a Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies in the California League and the Mobile Bay Bears, a Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Southern League.

Smith was happy to point out that over the past 10 years the Valley has grown by leaps and bounds athletically, having added other professional and amateur franchises that compete in well-respected leagues.

“When the Scrappers took to the field for the very first time back in 1999, we were the only professional team in the Valley with YSU and high school sports serving the sports fans’ needs.

“Interest in boxing has been revived with the success of Kelly Pavlik; the Mahoning Valley Thunder now competes in af2 while two hockey franchises, the Youngstown SteelHounds and the Mahoning Valley Phantoms are enjoying success on both the professional and amateur levels,” Smith noted.

The Scrappers will begin their 10th season on June 17 when they play host to the Williamsport Crosscutters at Eastwood Field.

Monday’s meeting was the last of the 2007-08 season. The group will now break for the summer and will resume regular meetings in September.