43
Scrappers look for an edge at Eastwood Field
Mahoning Valley has 15 home games remaining
By Steve Ruman
NILES
On paper, it would appear as though the Mahoning Valley Scrappers have a favorable schedule as they head toward the home stretch of the 2015 season.
Still in the playoff hunt, the Scrappers play 15 of their final 27 games at Eastwood Field. And while playing at home would seem to favor any sports franchise, a closer look suggests that home-field advantage is nothing more than a myth for the Scrappers.
Including this year, the Scrappers have had a better record on the road than they have at home in five of the past six seasons. During that span, they haven’t won more than 15 home games in any year with the exception of 2011.
The year, the Scrappers are 9-14 at Eastwood Field. They are currently on pace to win 15 home games.
Yet despite the struggles at Eastwood Field, fans continue to support the franchise. On Saturday, hundreds of fans were lined up outside the gates 90 minutes before the first pitch hoping to snag one of the 1,000 Cody Allen bobbleheads. A crowd of 3,060 attended the contest. The three-game series against last-place Batavia averaged 3,389 fans per contest.
The Scrappers are averaging 3,092 fans per home game this year, which puts them in the middle of the pack in the NYPL. However, in comparison to franchises of similar market size,the Scrappers shine. Vermont (2,123), Williamsport (1,835) and Auburn (1,438) all average significantly fewer fans per home game than the Scrappers. Only State College (3,237) draws better among franchises in similar size markets.
In 2013, the Scrappers averaged 3,371 fans per game despite a 30-44 record. It was a 316 fan-per-game increase from 2012, the best gain among any franchise in the NYPL. They drew similar numbers in 2014 despite a 33-44 record.
“As a front office, we can’t control what we do on the field, and we can’t control the weather,” said Scrappers general manager Jordan Taylor. “We just have to focus on how to provide an entertaining, cost-effective night at the ball park regardless of wins and losses. We’re fortunate in that we have a great fan base and we have some tremendous corporate sponsors.”
In addition to the struggles on the field, the Scrappers were hurt by early-season wet weather which plagued the area in June and early July. Of the Scrappers’ first six home games, one was rained out while four others were delayed by rain. That was followed with a string of games in which threatening weather kept some fans at home.
“All things considered, we’re doing very well,” Taylor said. “You’re never satisfied. You always want to do better, but the Valley definitely does a great job of supporting the Scrappers.”
This year’s home schedule included six Buck Nights, six post-game firework displays, and three bobblehead giveaways – annually the three biggest promotions.
“Bobbleheads and fireworks do well all over the country and at all levels,” Taylor said. “With our buck nights, you just can’t beat the value. An entire family can come out for a full night of entertainment at a very small cost.”
And with a team that just can’t find its groove in the comforts of home, Taylor knows he and his staff must work extra hard to keep the fans coming back.
“In minor league baseball, the game is only part of the overall experience, we have to give fans a reason to want to return regardless of our record,” Taylor said. “It’s a year-round process. We haven’t gotten through this season yet and we’ve already got promotions lined up for next year.”
The Scrappers return home Wednesday for a three-game set against Hudson Valley. The series will include a Buck Night, a cup giveaway and a t-shirt giveaway.