Scrappers assistant GM details attractions

April 26, 2016 at 12:08a.m.

BEAVER TOWNSHIP

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will open their 18th season as a Cleveland Indians’ affiliate with a new manager, 38 home games and a multitude of new and exciting promotions.

As members of the New York-Penn League’s Pinckney Division, the Scrappers begin the 2016 season June 17 when they play host to the West Virginia Black Bears in a two-game set and the first of five popular “Friday Fireworks Night” displays.

Matt Thompson, Scrappers assistant general manager for sales who is currently in his 12th season with the team, spoke to the Curbstone Coaches at Monday’s weekly meeting, reiterating the minor-league baseball theme of “getting to see tomorrow’s stars today, and at a ballpark near you.”

The team will welcome former Florida Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez as its new manager while pitching coach Tighe Dickson, hitting coach Justin Toole and Jake Sankal, strength and conditioning coach are also new to this year’s squad.

“There’s always optimism as we approach a new year. The nature of Minor League Baseball, especially at our level, is that the team is almost always completely different, much like the other teams that we play,” Thompson said. “Winning is great and we certainly hope to do well on the field, but it’s also very exciting just to see some of our high draft picks and watch those players as they navigate their first years of professional baseball, and then follow them as they try to, ideally, make their way to the bigs.”

While minor-league baseball is known for its many — sometimes outlandish — promotions, the Scrappers are no different and this season, a promotional theme for every home game as well as past successful promotions will be featured.

“Heather Sahli, our assistant general manager for marketing, has put together a great promotional schedule with more premium giveaways and fun themes than we’ve had in quite some time,” Thompson said. “That’s a direct result of the tremendous support from our sponsors and something that we feel the fans will really be excited about.”

“Pops at the Ballpark” with the Youngstown Symphony returns to Eastwood Field on May 21 as does professional wrestling, which will feature the superstar tag team of Matt and Jeff, the ‘Hardy Boyz’ on July 9.

There will be three bobblehead giveaways, the first of which takes place on June 25 and features current YSU head football coach Bo Pelini. Other bobblehead nights include Warren native Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters (July 22) and former Indians first-round draft pick (2014) and 2015 All-Star Futures Game representative, Bradley Zimmer (August 13).

There are five military nights on tap with a “Military Heroes Card Set Giveaway” scheduled for July 4.

Thompson called Eastwood Field a great setting and starting point for players in the Indians organization.

“We’ve had nearly 70 players advance to the game’s biggest stage with some of the most recent being Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor, Tyler Naquin, Cody Allen, Cody Anderson, Josh Tomlin, Lonnie Chisenhall, Roberto Perez and Jose Ramirez,” he said. “Three more to watch include Zimmer, and pitchers J.P. Feyereisen and Ben Heller, who are currently tearing it up at Double-A Akron.

“As for Eastwood Field, it’s a great minor-league setting for a variety of reasons. For area residents it’s close, convenient and affordable. We place our focus on having a fun night out at the ballpark. Anyone and everyone in a family, from young to old, can find something to enjoy at a Scrappers game. Our concessions are great with a ton of choices and reasonable prices, plus there’s great baseball as well.”

Next week will be the final session until September with Ron Potesta of The Sports Animal, WNIO 1390-AM serving as guest speaker.