Scrappers upgrades shared with Curbstone

May 14, 2019 at 12:00a.m.

BEAVER TOWNSHIP

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set for their 21st New York-Penn League season with new manager Dennis Malave looking to lead the rookie league team to a third consecutive Pinckney Division title.

Matt Thompson, Scrappers’ assistant general manager for sales, told the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly meeting at Avion Banquet Center that the Amateur Baseball Draft will take place June 3-5. The Scrappers will learn their roster configuration shortly thereafter.

A Scrapper from 1999-2001, Malave served as the Scrappers’ hitting coach in 2010, was the Cleveland Indians bullpen catcher from 2007-08. Most recently, he served as Akron Rubber Ducks hitting coach last season.

Mahoning Valley opens the season June 14 when they play a two-game set at West Virginia against the Black Bears. They will host the first of 38 home games on June 16 against the Batavia Muckdogs at Eastwood Field.

“In 2018, we unveiled our new video board,” Thompson said. “Along with the Brooklyn Cyclones, [they] are the two biggest in the NYPL.

“There’s no glare, it has enhanced graphics and capabilities,” Thompson said, who added that the team added audio and live streaming that is run by Trumbull Career and Technical Center students.

He said a new sale system “was implemented for our concessions and team store areas. Cashiers use touch screens while every point of sale has a card reader.”

Several stadium upgrades have taken place in the offseason.

“We re-did our turf in 2007 but this offseason we dug up everything,” Thompson said. “We re-did all the layers, old drains were tied in and new drains were added on the warning track so in theory, the field can take on more water and still be playable.”

Weight and workout rooms, and a common area addition were part of the clubhouse expansion.

The Diamond Club, the premium, all-inclusive seating area behind home plate located in section 110, has been expanded to include sections 109 and 111.

The Diamond Club has an all-you-can-eat menu with delivery to seats.

“In 2020, possible renovations to the suite level and more destination areas are in the talking stage,” he said.

The promotional and special events schedule includes seven fireworks shows, five “Buck Nights,” four bobblehead giveaways and three specialty jersey nights.

“The 4th of July is one of our seven fireworks shows and also buck night,” Thompson said. “Fireworks nights are always special while bleacher seats, hot dogs and draft beers-fountain drinks are all a buck on those designated nights.

“We also have a food truck event and wrestling show on July 20 that will feature 1996 Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, Billy Gunn, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Rey Fenix and Pentagon, Jr.”

Specialty jersey nights will feature fauxbacks, Harry Stevens (hot dog inventor) and one more, pending approval,

Bobbleheads will honori Michael Brantley (June 29), Scrappy (July 6), Shane Bieber (August 9) and Jesus Aguilar (Aug. 17).

Tonight, for just the second time at Eastwood Field, YSU will host to Ohio State at 6 p.m. The Penguins also hosted the Buckeyes at Eastwood Field on May 12, 2015, dropping a 7-0 decision.

“It’s exciting and intense at the same time,” Thompson said. “With over 100 former Scrappers players who have made it to the major leagues, it’s always nice to welcome a new group of players and then watch them as they develop.”

Next Monday, Carl Pelini, YSU assistant head football coach, will serve as guest speaker.