Scrappers open season June 19 in West Virginia

April 28, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

AUSTINTOWN

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will open their 17th New York-Penn League season on June 19 at the league’s newest entry, the Pittsburgh Pirates West Virginia Black Bears affiliate.

When they return to Eastwood Field on June 25 for their home opener against the State College Spikes, fans will have an opportunity to welcome back a familiar face in manager Travis Fryman.

They’ll also welcome back the first of 38 home game promotions which once again include fireworks, Buck Nights and their popular bobblehead and T-shirt giveaway games.

Matt Thompson, Scrappers assistant general manager of sales, told the Curbstone Coaches during their weekly Monday luncheon that Eastwood Field is also looking forward to the next two weeks of YSU baseball as well.

“This coming Friday we expect over 3,500 school kids at the park for YSU’s 11 a.m. game with Oakland University and then on May 12, Ohio State comes to town for a rare area appearance and a 6 p.m. game with the Penguins,” he said. “It should be a fun time at the park for everyone.”

This year’s three bobblehead promotions will feature YSU president Jim Tressel (June 26), former Scrapper and current New York Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia (July 25) and current Tribe reliever Cody Allen (Aug. 8).

“Since we open at home on a Thursday, fans will recognize that as being Buck Night so that should be exciting for us,” Thompson said. “We’ll then roll into a loaded promotional schedule and in addition to our bobblehead and T-shirt give-aways, includes the Inflatamaniacs and Dennis Haskins, Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell. He’s very popular when it comes to meet and greet.”

The Scrappers are also looking to add another wrestling event during the season when the team is on the road while “Pops at the Ballpark,” featuring the Youngstown Symphony makes a return appearance at Eastwood Field on Sept. 19.

Thompson said Wednesday home games, dubbed “Military Appreciation Night,” will continue to honor past and present military with two free box seat tickets. The 60 Diamond Club Seats in Section 110 include a special usher, waitress and all-you-can-eat service.

Newly added to this year’s promotional line-up is “Star Wars Night” on Aug. 22 when the Scrappers play host to the Black Bears.

“Minor League Baseball has worked out a deal with George Lucas Films whereby players wear actual Star Wars jerseys,” he said. “There will be a silent auction during the game at the front gate with proceeds earmarked for a yet to be determined non-profit organization.”

The Scrappers Backers, Mahoning Valley’s booster club, is working on a bus trip for the team’s season opener at West Virginia as they play the inaugural game at the Black Bears’ new 2,500 seat stadium, Monongalia County Ballpark.

Information about the trip is available by calling 330-847-6488 or the Scrappers’ office at 330-505-0000.

Next week, the organization’s final session of the season will feature YSU sports author Dr. Adam Earnhardt as its guest speaker.