Fryman returns for second round in MV

June 22, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

Travis Fryman’s baseball resume includes being an all-star on the biggest stage the game has to offer. By as short-season minor league baseball gets under way, Fryman appears very comfortable and eager to be back at that level.

Fryman, who served as the manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers from 2008-10, has returned to Niles to serve as skipper of the Cleveland Indians’ Class A club.

“There is nothing like the start of a new baseball season,” Fryman said. “Opening day in baseball is the most special day in any sport.

“[The] 72-hour stretch where players are arriving from every part of the country and we’re trying to put all the pieces together, it’s the most chaotic time I’ll experience in baseball at any level. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Fryman spent 13 years in the big leagues, playing for the Detroit Tigers and Indians. He owns a .274 lifetime batting average with 223 home runs and 1,022 RBIs. He was a five-time All-Star, retiring in 2002.

Fryman managed the Scappers to their last playoff appearance in 2009 when the club went 49-27 and reached the New York-Penn League championship series. He spent the past four seasons as an instructor in the Indians’ organization.

“It’s great to be back in the Valley, I have a lot of fond memories of this place and the people of this area,” Fryman said.

Fryman’s self-explained duties as manager include “coaching, mentoring, teaching, but mostly instruction.”

He noted that many of his players are new to the professional ranks.

“That jump to the next level is so difficult,” Fryman said. “In fact, I think the biggest thing I learned the last time I was here was the need for patience.”

“I’m not the most patient guy in the world, but in this game and at this level, you have to work with these guys. Baseball is a tough game.”

The Scrappers’ roster includes 14 players who were recently selected by the Indians in the Major League Baseball draft.

Pitcher Shane Casey is among six players who were with the Scrappers last summer.

“It’s exciting to be back, this was a great atmosphere when I played here last year,” Casey said. “Coming from Arizona ball to the NY-PL, it’s a huge jump. The talent here is much better.”

“The ballpark [Eastwood Field in Niles] is truly a professional atmosphere. I told the new players they are going to love this place.”

Tonight, the Scrappers begin a three-game series at Batavia, N.Y. Their home opener is Thursday against State College.