Our savvy Scrappers earn Valley’s respect, support

Sixteen years ago this week, a group of young, talented – and yes, scrappy – young athletes took to the brand-spanking new Cafaro Field in Niles to inaugurate professional minor-league baseball in the Mahoning Valley.

Sixteen years later, on the threshold of the MV Scrappers’ 17th-season home opener, the team’s signature “baseball with bite” has sharpened its impact throughout our five-county region.

As the team takes to its home field against the defending New York-Penn League champion State College on Thursday night, we wish it success and urge the community to continue its tradition of enthusiastic support.

Unlike several other lower-echelon professional sports teams that have come and gone over the past two decades, the Valley’s Class A Cleveland Indians farm team has enjoyed an incredibly successful and sustained run on the baseball diamond.

A VALLEY ASSET

Clearly, the Scrappers, one of 14 members of the 76-year-old New York-Penn League, continue to rank as one of the Valley’s most understated but valuable community assets.

The Cleveland Indians franchise drives home a tangible spirit of regionalism and pride, a refreshing change from the parochial and negative attitudes that too often hinder progress on economic, community development and other playing fields. Scrappers officials report fans from all parts of the Mahoning and Shenango valleys follow the team with zest and pride.

And why not? The Dawgs got talent. The Scrappers have won four division titles and one league championship in its relatively short history of short-season play. The team has fielded many savvy players who have ended up on the roster of the Indians and other major-league squads.

And while fans support the team, the Scrappers support their home base. They are partners with several Valley businesses in Scrappy’s Healthy Kids program. The program aims to encourage youths to challenge themselves to make healthy choices for a better lifestyle.

What’s more, the Scrappers provide families with excitement at affordable prices, close to home and in one of the most-attractive ballparks in the minor leagues. The 2015 season is loaded with special events at every game.

We’re counting again this season on sellout crowds at Eastwood Field. It all starts Thursday night. Don’t miss out.