Scrappers notebook: Allen inducted into HOF

Scrappers notebook

Allen recognized: Earlier this season, Cleveland Indians pitcher Cody Allen was recognized by the Mahoning Valley Scrappers with a bobblehead night. On Monday, Allen was inducted into the Scrappers’ Hall of Champions. Allen was recognized in a pregame ceremony prior to the Scrappers’ finale against West Virginia. Allen was selected by the Indians in the 23rd round of the 2011 draft. He was immediately assigned to the Mahoning Valley, where he went 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 14 games before quickly moving up through the ranks. Allen was the lone 2015 Hall of Champions inductee.

A Scrappy summer: When the Scrappers opened their season in mid-June, Mahoning Valley was in the midst of what would become one of the wettest months on record. 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. However, the rainout on June 27 proved to be the only postponed home game of the season. It marked the fewest home rainouts in five years. By contrast, the Scrappers experienced three rainouts on the road. Connecticut led the league with four games washed out by weather.

Struggling to win: The Scrappers (31-44) have now finished at least 10 games under .500 four straight years. And, they’ve 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 Scrappers’ 13 home wins this year equals a franchise-low.

Still a hit: Despite the poor showing on the field, the Scrappers continue to be a hit with area fans. The Scrappers drew 111,079 fans to Eastwood Field this summer, an average of 3,002 fans per contest. While the average was a bit down from a year ago (3,130), Scrappers management was pleased with the season-long turnout. “You’re never completely satisfied, you always want to do more, but all things considered we’re thankful for our numbers,” said Scrappers assistant general manager Heather Sahli. “We had a rough go of it weather-wise out of the gate. We spent the first month playing catch up, so all things considered it was a successful summer.” The Scrappers easily outdrew Auburn, Williamsport and Vermont — NYPL franchises of similar market size.

Pitching struggles: The Scrappers gave up 628 hits this year, which actually ranked them in the lower half of the NYPL. However, Scrapper pitching issued a league-high 291 walks. The league average was 222. From an individual standpoint, starters Kieran Lovegrove (1-8, 6.08 ERA) and Leandro Lineras (0-7, 6.55 ERA) and reliever Ryan Perez (0-1, 6.48) struggled from start to finish.

Tom a hit: Scrappers outfielder Ka’ai Tom, a fan favorite, was also a hit on the field this summer. Tom led the Scrappers in batting average (.284), hits (73) runs (38) and home runs (three). The numbers are especially impressive considering Tom’s slow start. “When I first came here this summer, I just didn’t feel comfortable,” Tom said. “I don’t know what it was, maybe the new level, maybe getting used to playing every day. But I didn’t feel right. As the season went on, I became more relaxed and found my groove. I regained my focus, and things worked out.”

— Steve Ruman, The Vindicator