Scrappers deserve strong fan base for 2017 season

As excitement builds for tonight’s home opener of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ 19th season, what’s old again is new.

Yes, as the Class A short-season baseball team prepares to take to Niles’ Eastwood Field at 7 p.m. against the Auburn Doubledays, that winning mix of old and new once again will play out.

The fervor it creates has inspired hundreds of thousands of fans to flock to the field over the past two decades, and we’re confident it will do the same this season.

Fans can count on three months of professional baseball slam-packed with fun and entertainment, continued growth for the squad and myriad economic and quality-of-life perks for our sports-frenzied region.

For starters, look at some of the new members of the Cleveland Indians’ farm team this season. Top among them is the Scrappers’ new manager Luke Carlin, 36, who’s loaded with professional experience and gutsy gusto.

His on-the-field playing prowess includes stints with Major League Baseball teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres and the Indians. Carlin also is pumped up about his new role and is committed to winning games for the fans and advances to higher-echelon leagues for his players.

Also fresh this year is a largely new set of motivated players. Among them is Nolan Jones, third baseman. “I’ve been waiting for this for awhile. Seeing stands behind home plate is pretty special,” he told Vindicator Sports Writer Charles Grove at the team’s recent Media Day.

Fans in those stands also can experience another first-time attraction – a thirst quencher exclusive only to the Scrappers. The Platform Beer Co. of Cleveland will launch its Walkoff Wit brand at tonight’s opener.

“We’re certainly looking for ways to make our fan experience better,” busy Scrappers’ General Manager Jordan Taylor said of the new brew.

TRADITIONS THRIVE

Taylor, however, has a sturdy base on which to build fan appreciation. Over its 19 years, the Scrappers have amassed a wealth of traditions that drive many fans to the attractive Cafaro-Co.-owned ballpark year-in and year-out.

Prime among them is team talent. After all, the Scrappers have fielded many savvy players who have ended up on the roster of the Indians, including C.C. Sabathia, Victor Martinez, Ryan Garko and Francisco Lindor.

From a community-building perspective, the Scrappers’ tradition of driving home a tangible spirit of regionalism and pride in our five-county area is 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 and beyond follow the team with zest and pride.

And while fans support the team, the Scrappers support their home base. The team wields a smashing economic impact on the Valley through its staff and scores of game-night workers. The Scrappers also offer valuable internships each summer for college students training in marketing, operations and other fields. It also supports hundreds of community groups through mascot Scrappy appearances, donations and fundraising programs.

What’s more, the economic impact of more than 3,000 fans on average who attend each Scrappers game can be felt in nearby restaurants, bars, nightclubs and retail establishments.

The Scrappers also provide families and individuals with excitement at affordable prices, close to home and in one of the most attractive ballparks in the minor leagues. This 19th season is loaded with special events at virtually every game. Among them are Buck Night for all Thursday games, Francisco Lindor bobblehead giveaway this Friday, College Fair and Scholarship Giveaway on June 26, Star Wars Night on July 28, Mahoning Valley Packards Night on Aug. 12 and Fan Appreciation Night on Sept. 2.

With all that and much more going for them, The Scrappers have earned our support. The best way to show it is through your attendance at any or all of the home games this season.

In so doing, our community can rebuild attendance that has lagged in recent years and regale in the fun and excitement of the Mahoning Valley’s hard-hitting “baseball with bite.”