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Tressel’s pitch, Scrappers rained out
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Scrappers outfielder Josh McAdams sits on the tarp during a rain delay prior to Tuesday night’s game against the Batavia Muckdogs at Eastwood Field in Niles. Stormed continued to roll through the region, postponing the game until today when the teams will play a doubleheader. Game 1 will be at 5 p.m.
New YSU president still impressed with Valley’s devotion to its sports teams
By Steve Ruman
NILES
While the rain eliminated Jim Tressel’s opportunity to throw out a first pitch, it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for a visit to Eastwood Field.
The newly appointed Youngstown State University president was on hand Tuesday to throw out the first pitch prior to the scheduled game between the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Batavia Muckdogs.
Tressel was present for what was scheduled to be Youngstown State University Alumni Day. However, the game was postponed following a two-hour weather delay.
The two teams will play a doubleheader today beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Tressel, who said he was “grateful and honored” to be invited to throw out a first pitch, was disheartened that Mother Nature erased the opportunity.
“On Saturday I took about five throws with [former YSU kicker] Paul McFadden right outside my house on campus,” Tressel said. “I’m pretty sure they were somewhere in the mid-90s, so I felt ready for tonight.”
Tressel last threw out a first pitch last summer at an Akron Aeros game.
Despite the rainout, Tressel said he enjoyed his visit to Eastwood Field. He noted that the right field picnic area “was filled with enthusiastic YSU alumni” prior to the arrival of the inclement weather.
Tressel’s visit to Eastwood Field certainly wasn’t his first. He said he had attended numerous Scrappers games in 1999 and 2000 when he was coaching at YSU. He noted that the stadium is also the baseball home of the YSU Penguins.
“This is a wonderful facility, something that the Valley can be proud of,” Tressel said. “You look at the number of fans it attracts on a nightly basis during the summer, and you have to appreciate its positive influence.
“I was seated in a suite that has pictures of C.C. [Sabathia] and Victor [Martinez] hanging on the wall. That’s a neat reminder of the talent that comes through this park.”
Tressel said that sports in general have a significant impact on the Mahoning Valley. He believes area residents support their athletes “like no other place in the country.”
“Our Valley in particular has a real passion for their teams,” Tressel said. “For the people in our area, their families are important to them, their churches are important to them and their teams which represent their communities are important. It’s been that way for many years.
“There is a pride about the young people who have given it their all, and a pride for those who have gone on and achieved great things at the next level.”
Tressel then reflected on the national championships won by the YSU football teams under his guidance in the 1990s. He said that the community support which surrounded those teams showcased the area’s love for sports.
“We happened to live in a magical time here in the ’90s and it was unmatched in terms of the pride that our students gave to the university and the whole Valley,” Tressel said. “That period really showcased the positive impact a sports team can have on a community.
“We had some wonderful years at Ohio State, but it wasn’t any more impactful than those years in the Valley.”
Tressel’s visit to Eastwood Field was the latest of several public appearances he has made since being named YSU president in May. He has received a warm reception with each appearance.
“I never cease to be amazed by the good people here,” Tressel said. “The reception we had when we were coaching here was mind-boggling. Every time I had a chance to come back here during my time at Ohio State was so much fun.
“And now that I am back here and rolling up my sleeves as part of the family, I think everyone appreciates when someone comes home and wants to do the best they can.”
Tressel said he hopes to return to Eastwood Field in the near future. In the meantime, the self-proclaimed baseball fan said he will continue to support the Scrappers and their parent club, the Cleveland Indians.
“I love this game,” Tressel said. “Last week, I nearly fell out of my chair with excitement when [Nick’ Swisher hit that walk-off grand slam [against the Los Angeles Angels].”