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Weather, loss do not dampen enthusiasm
By Steve Ruman
NILES
Bill and Kathy Casper weren’t about to let the threat of a little rain keep them away from Eastwood Field.
The Youngstown couple have made a tradition of attending the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ first home game of the season, and Thursday was no different. The Caspers were among the first to enter Eastwood Field when the gates opened.
“We’ve been coming here since 1999, and we have missed very few opening days,” Bill said. “For us, it’s kind of like the true signal to the start of summer.”
The Caspers were among 5,043 fans who didn’t allow cloudy skies and a threat of rain keep them from attending the start of the Scrappers’ 17th season in the Mahoning Valley. The Scrappers’ 6-0 loss to State College also didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the home crowd.
“We’re both die-hard baseball fans,” Bill said. “We met on a bus trip to a Cleveland Indians game, so baseball is close to our hearts. Being able to see the future Indians this close to home is pretty special.”
Paul Porter of Boardman attended the game with his two sons and daughter. Porter said his family attends “about a dozen or so” Scrappers games each summer.
“My sons love baseball, so they pay close attention to what’s happening on the field,” Porter said. “My daughter doesn’t know the first thing about baseball, but she begs to come here. She just loves the atmosphere and all of the activities that takes place between innings.”
Porter said the idea that some of today’s Scrappers might one day play for the Indians increases the interest.
“My boys go out of their way to get as many autographs as they can,” Porter said. “Earlier this week, they pulled out signed balls from the past few seasons and found a bunch of players that are either playing for the Indians or another major league team. It’s neat to have those autographs, and the players are very approachable at this level.”
Jamie Schramm of Niles was in attendance with her husband and two grandchildren. Schramm noted that earlier this month, the four attended an Indians game at Progressive Field. The night cost them roughly $200.
On Thursday, the Schramms took advantage of Buck Night deals. Schramm estimated that between parking, game tickets, food, drinks and souvenirs the family would spend less than $40.
“You can’t get a better night of entertainment for the price,” Schramm said. “People always say that there’s not a lot to do around here, but we have something that a lot of communities would love to have,and it’s very affordable. This is a great night of fun for all of us and we don’t have to leave town.”
Thursday’s energetic crowd left an impression on Scrappers outfielder Ka’ai Tom.
Earlier this week, the Scrappers played a three-game series in Batavia. The trio of games attracted a combined attendance of 1,988 fans.
“It’s like night and day playing on the road then coming home,” Tom said. “This stadium is big and beautiful and the fans are really behind us. It’s very exciting and fun to play in this atmosphere.”