Scrappers prepare for busy season

May 9, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

BEAVER TOWNSHIP

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers limped to a 4-17 start last season, then posted a sizzling 33-21 mark to finish 37-38 overall in the New York-Penn League’s Pinckney Division.

Looking to develop chemistry and a team identity at the outset this season will go a long way in determining whether they make a return to the playoffs, a place they haven’t visited since the 2009 campaign.

Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly meeting at Avion Banquet Center, Matt Thompson, Scrappers general manager for sales, noted that new manager Luke Carlin is set and cannot wait to get the season under way.

“Luke was a member of the Akron Rubber Ducks’ staff last year and this is his first managerial assignment, so we’re all anxiously ready for the season to get started,” Thompson said.

The 2017 season marks Mahoning Valley’s 19th in the Short-A league. Eastwood Field is one of just a handful of stadiums in Minor League Baseball that are privately owned (Cafaro Company).

They have an alumni base that exceeds 90 players who have made it Major League Baseball.

“It was interesting to watch last year’s ALCS and World Series in that nine former Scrappers players were members of the Indians’ play-off roster,” Thompson said, referring to Francisco Lindor, Tyler Naquin, Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis, Josh Tomlin, Cody Allen, Jose Ramirez, Roberto Perez and Ryan Merritt.

Watching tomorrow’s stars today seems to resonate with fans throughout the tri-county area.

“The players last year were very helpful, doing a lot when we asked or if their services were needed,” Thompson said. “Everything from catching the ceremonial first pitch, to talking to kids or fans after games or signing autographs, they were always willing to assist and lend a hand.”

The Scrappers’ season begins June 19 with a two-game trip to the West Virginia Black Bears. They will return to Eastwood Field on June 21 and their home opener against Pinckney Division foe Auburn.

All 38 home dates include a special promotion with seven fireworks displays and seven “Buck Nights” leading the way.

“As far as fireworks nights, five will take place after Friday games with the home opener and ‘Fourth of July’ the other two dates,” Thompson said. “On the Fourth of July, our fireworks display will be the only show that day in the city of Niles.”

The first Buck Night is scheduled for June 22 and includes bleacher seats, fountain drinks, hot dogs and draft beers for $1.

There are five Military Appreciation nights. All current or former military personnel receive two free upperbox seats.

On Aug. 12, the team will host a “One Night Team Name Change” when they will be known as the Mahoning Valley Packards.

“We will wear different uniforms that one day only with Packards across the front of the uniform and a classic Packard car logo on the sleeve,” Thompson said. “It’s all in honor of the old Packard car with special ticket packages offered and game jerseys set to be auctioned off when the game is concluded.

Proceeds are earmarked for the National Packard Museum on Mahoning Avenue in Warren,” Thompson said.

Five bobblehead give-away’s are also planned including Lindor (June 23), Allen (July 4) Ramirez (July 29) and Kipnis (Aug. 26).

The fifth bobblehead is Paul Warfield, the Pro Football Hall of Famer from Warren Harding High School. That giveaway will be Aug. 5 and Warfield will put on a Harding uniform as part of the festivities.