Tag Archive for: Scrappers

EASTWOOD FIELD NAMED 2023 OSFMA FIELD OF THE YEAR

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NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are proud to announce that Eastwood Field and Head Groundskeeper Noah Bard have been awarded the 2023 Field of the Year by the Ohio Sports Field Management Association (OSFMA). The Field of the Year is awarded to athletic fields in Ohio that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effectively use their budgets, and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program. The Scrappers and Bard will receive the award on December 6th at the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) Conference and Show in Columbus.

Head Groundskeeper Noah Bard said, “I am honored to receive this award. I would like to thank the OSFMA Board for selecting Eastwood Field. This would not be possible without the efforts of my game day grounds crew, I can’t thank them enough for their help. I would also like to thank the Scrappers front office, and most importantly thank you to my wife Kendra for her constant support of me and my work.”

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“We are excited for Noah Bard to receive this much deserved recognition as the 2023 OSFMA Field of the Year”, said Heather Sahli, Mahoning Valley Scrappers General Manager. “Noah and his team work tirelessly to keep Eastwood Field in amazing condition for over 150 events at the facility throughout the year including Scrappers games, Youngstown State University Baseball, high school games, charity walks, concerts and more. We are proud to receive this great honor.”

The Ohio Sports Field Managers Council was incepted in Northwest Ohio in the late 1990’s. Known in the early years as the Great Lakes Sports Turf Managers Association, this group was a collaboration of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio Sports Turf professionals. The GLSTMA later formed as the Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association and has never looked back. For over 25 years, they have provided Ohio’s turf managers with education, outreach, access to the latest in R&D, and created a network of industry professionals dedicated to providing Ohio’s athletes with first class surfaces.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To view the complete 2024 Scrappers schedule, early bird ticket packages and stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

*Contributed by mlbdraftleague.com

WILLIAMSPORT AVOIDS SCRAPPERS SWEEP

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NILES OH- After claiming victory in the first two games of the series, The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and The Williamsport Crosscutters met on the diamond for a Father’s Day edition of MLB Draft League baseball on Sunday afternoon! With Mahoning Valley looking to break out the brooms and Williamsport trying to get back in the win column.

   Pitching and defense took precedence early on as both teams struggled to score with runners on. As Drew Bryan (Crosscutters) and Cale Lansville (Scrappers) were dealing on the mound, exchanging zeros the first three innings of the game. Lansville continued his day into the fourth inning and pitched another clean frame, keeping it Scoreless heading to the bottom of the fourth inning. With Bryan on to continue his outing into the fourth, The Scrappers struck first after back-to-back two out errors put both Mason Sykes and Jack Moss on before Braeden O’Shaughnessy lined an RBI-single to center, giving Mahoning Valley an early 1-0 lead!

   Elijah Pleasants would then take over on the rubber for The Scrappers, pitching around a walk in the fifth to keep Mahoning Valley in front. The Scrappers would add to their lead in the bottom half of the fifth when Jordan Williams worked a one out walk and stole second before a base hot from Trenton Harris moved him over and an RBI-single from Colton Coates moved him in! With Harris now at third, The Scrappers added on more on a sac-fly by Brandon Hylton, making it 3-0 Mahoning Valley.

 However, in the top of the sixth inning, The Crosscutters started cutting into The Scrappers lead. Staring with a one out hit batter in Sean Smith who ended up at second following a stolen base before he came home on a Stephen Hrustich RBI-single to center. Not done there, Williamsport would get another run when Jack Oberdorf would hit a single to move Hrustich over and Nate LaRue recorded his third hit of the day as an RBI-single making it a one run game! It did not stay a one run game for long though, following another walk in the inning, Mahoning Valley made the change for Charez Butcher in place of Pleasants on the hill. Butcher would toss a wild pitch to the first batter he faced, scoring Jack Oberdorf from third and tying the game at three runs a piece!

 It then became a pitching battle with neither team giving an inch on offense, posting consecutive zeros all the way until the ninth inning. With the hard-throwing Andrew Lucas coming on the mound for Mahoning Valley in the ninth, The Scrappers looked for a shutdown inning to have the opportunity to walk it off. With their backs against the walls, Williamsport got the lead off runner on with Nate LaRue walking and reaching for his fourth time in the ballgame! Lucas would retire the next two batters in order before Ryan Vogel, with ice running through his veins, lined a two out RBI-double to right field, giving The Crosscutters their first lead of the series 4-3 in the ninth! Will Schomberg, who pitched the eighth, stayed on to pitch the bottom of the ninth for Williamsport. The Scrappers would go quietly, as Schomberg sent them down 1-2-3 to salvage the third game of the series and get Williamsport back in the win column!

   Both Mahoning Valley and Williamsport have an off day on Monday before returning to action Tuesday night! With The Crosscutters (5-10) hosting in the red hot Frederick Keys (10-5). While The Scrappers (7-8) will hit the road to take on The Trenton Thunder (9-6). Scrappers will return home on Tuesday, June 27th to start a home series with The Thunder. Don’t forget, all Scrappers home games are streamed live on YSN!

BLACK BEAR RALLY STUNS SCRAPPERS TO SPLIT THE SERIES

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By Ty Bartell


In the final game of the opening four game series over the weekend, The Mahoning Valley Scrappers and The West Virginia Black Bears battled in some MLB Draft League baseball on Sunday. The Scrappers gained control of the series, winning 7-1 on Saturday, behind some phenomenal pitching. The way Sunday started, it looked like Mahoning Valley would be up to much of the same. 

Starters Brennyn Abendroth (Mahoning Valley) and Ryan Schiefer (West Virginia) took to the mound for their respective teams. Both starters dueled in pitching a clean first inning, including Schiefer striking out the side to start. Working some walks in the bottom of the second, Mahoning Valley was able to strike for the initial lead off a wild pitch and a Dante Leach two RBI-single giving The Scrappers a 3-0 advantage. 

Abendroth struggled with his command in the top half of the third inning, walking two and allowing a single to load the bases with nobody out in the inning. Abendroth would strike out the next two in order before an additional walk issued to Black Bears catcher Justin Fogel got West Virginia on the board; however, Abendroth limited damage to a single run, preserving a 3-1 Mahoning Valley lead. 

Both teams pitched the next couple of innings cleanly, with new arms making appearances for both teams with Alex Pipes coming on for West Virginia and Cameron Bye for Mahoning Valley. The Scrappers added to their advantage in the bottom of the fifth off a Mason Sykes RBI-double, a wild pitch and a Colton Coates RBI-Single to double the offensive output in the game and take a 6-1 lead!

The following half inning, Black Bears nine hole hitter Tre Hondras delivered a big two-out two-run single to take two back from The Mahoning Valley lead, now 6-3 heading to the bottom of the sixth. After a scoreless bottom of the sixth, West Virginia struck again in the top of the seventh. Once again, coming with two outs in the inning, The Black Bears brought two more around to score off a Justin Fogel RBI-single and an error on DJ Butler coming within just a single run of The Scrappers. 

Mahoning Valley went quietly in the bottom of the inning and both teams posted zeros in the eighth. Then, in the top of the ninth, West Virginia tied the game up with one out in the inning on a potential double play ball that only got one. An error on the throw to first by DJ Butler allowed the tying run to score before Brody Fahr delivered in the clutch with a two-out RBI-triple to score Devyn Lopez from second and give The Black Bears their first lead 7-6. 

The Scrappers got the tying run on when Mason Sykes smacked his second double of the day and advanced to third off a wild pitch by new Black Bears pitcher John Bakke. However, Bakke would record a strikeout of Andreaus Lewis II to leave the tying run stranded 90 feet away and, more importantly, even the series up for West Virginia off the 7-6 win. 

Both The Black Bears and The Scrappers will have Monday off before starting their next series on Tuesday. West Virginia (2-2) will be home when they start a three game series against Williamsport (0-4) for their home opening series. Mahoning Valley (2-2) will hit the road for the first time this season, starting a three game set with The Frederick Keys (1-3) on Tuesday, June 6th. Catch The Scrappers next home game on Monday, June 12th where they will host The Frederick Keys. 

SCRAPPERS SUFFER FIRST DRAWBACK OF THE SEASON

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By Ty Bartell


NILES OH- In the second game of a four game series, The Mahoning Valley Scrappers, once again, met The West Virginia Black Bears on Eastwood Field. The Scrappers sent Ahmad Harajli to the mound as the starter while West Virginia responded with Cobe Reeves. 

Following the loss in Thursday’s outing, The Black Bears realized the importance of scoring first, hanging three runs in the top of the first inning with Ross Mulhall hitting a two-run shot as an exclamation point on the inning! Scrappers would get a run back in the bottom of the second when Harrison Rodgers belted an RBI-double to trim the deficit to two. 

However, The Black Bears were not to be messed with, responding with six runs in the top of the third and chasing starter Harajli early. On the other side, Cobe Reeves was in a rhythm and rode the wave of momentum through five innings of work, giving up a lone unearned run in his outing. Adding on to their lead once again, West Virginia extended their lead to double digits with RBI hits coming from both Logan Kohler and Devin Saltiban. 

The Scrappers would get three runs back in the bottom of the sixth, courtesy of a two RBI-double by Mason Sykes and an RBI sac fly from Colton Coates. But again, West Virginia was not messing around on offense, re-extending their lead to double digits with a Ryan Grabosch RBI-double and a Brody Fahr RBI-single making it 16-4 West Virginia. 

The 16 runs would be more than enough offense, as the combined pitching efforts of Cobe Reeves, Mitch Dye, Evan Brandt and Brady Choban combined for 12 total strikeouts on the evening. Reeves was credited for the win with his five inning outing as West Virginia evened the opening four game set at a game a piece. 

Both teams will be back at it on Saturday, June 3rd with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch start time. Live coverage of the game can be found on ysnlive.com/live

SCRAPPERS RETURN HOME FOR SPECIAL HOMESTAND

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NILES, OH-

Tuesday, August 16  vs. State College Spikes @ 7:05pm

It’s TOPPS TUESDAY! The first 1,000 fans through the gates every Tuesday home game receive a Topps card pack. It’s also Senior Discount Tuesday presented by Shepherd of the Valley. All our fans 55 or older will receive $5 Upper Box seat tickets. It’s $2 Pizza Joe’s Pizza Slice Night at the concessions stands throughout the game. It’s Football Spirit Night – get a free General Admission ticket if you wear a football jersey to the game (High School or Youth) OR fans wearing spirit gear of their favorite High School team.

 

Wednesday, August 17  vs. State College Spikes @ 7:05pm

It’s Military Appreciation Night. Get two free Upper Box seat tickets with a Military ID at the Chevy All-Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field, presented by Huntington and 33 WYTV. It’s Wine Down Wednesday with $4 wine specials presented by Webb Winery.

Thursday, August 18  vs. State College Spikes @ 7:05 pm

It’s BUCK Night presented by Quaker Steak & Lube. Fans can get $1 General Admission tickets, $1 hot dogs and $1 drinks all game long.

 

Tickets are on sale now at  www.mvscrappers.com, at the Chevy All Stars Box Office  or contact the front office at (330)-505-0000.

SCRAPPERS WALK OFF TO OPEN HOME STAND

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NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers walked-off the West Virginia Black Bears to win the series opener. It was a pitching duel throughout the ballgame, but the offense opened up late to win the ballgame.

Both starting pitchers were phenomenal through five innings of work. West Virginia starter Zach Bravo threw 5 scoreless innings which included 5 strikeouts. Mahoning Valley starter Michael Brewer tossed 5 scoreless innings as well, while retiring the last 14 batters in a row to end his outing. The offense then started to pick up when both teams went to the bullpen. Both teams we’re able to score a run in the sixth inning to get on the board.

In the ninth inning, the Scrappers got a lead-off single by Zach Dezenzo to put the game winning run on base. Brian Kalmer was hit by a pitch, and then Matt Archer put down a sacrifice bunt to move the runner 90 feet away from home plate. West Virginia intentionally walked a batter to bring up 17-year-old catcher Adrian Salas with the bases loaded. Salas banged a ground ball into right field to win the ballgame by a final of 2-1. West Virginia and Mahoning Valley compete again tonight in game 2 of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

*Contributed By YSN’s Richie Juliano

Postgame Interview With Homer Bush:

Postgame Interview with Adrian Salas:

SCRAPPERS PARTNER WITH RICH CENTER FOR AUTISM FOR SPECIAL JERSEY RELEASE

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers  are excited to unveil the third of a series of five specialty jersey nights during the 2022 season. The Scrappers have partnered with the Rich Center for Autism to create a specialty jersey that the Scrappers players will wear for Autism Awareness Night on Saturday, June 11th against the West Virginia Black Bears. Game worn jerseys will be auctioned off in person at the game and also online at mvscrappers.com and LiveSource. Jersey proceeds will benefit the Rich Center for Autism.

“We are so thankful for our partnership with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers as they join us in promoting the awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder through education,” states Dr. Gregory Boerio, Executive Director, Rich Center for Autism. “In addition to supporting the awareness and acceptance of ASD as a part of an upcoming baseball game, we are particularly excited and thankful for the vocational exploration opportunities being provided to students later this spring and summer. The Rich Center for Autism at YSU is proud to call the Mahoning Valley Scrappers a partner in the community!”

Mahoning Valley is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears and Williamsport Crosscutters. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set to open the 2022 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 2 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature fan favorites post-game fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

SCRAPPERS INITIAL ROSTER ANNOUNCED FOR 2022 SEASON

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers, in conjunction with Major League Baseball and Prep Baseball Report, are excited to announce the initial player roster for the second season in the MLB Draft League. The initial player roster is as follows:

The MLB Draft League features six founding members (Frederick Keys, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears, and Williamsport Crosscutters) and provides an unparalleled fan and development experience that features former Major Leaguers and professional players as managers and coaches. To view the 2022 MLB Draft League schedule, visit mlbdraftleague.com; each team’s schedule also is accessible via its website.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set to open the 2022 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 2 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature fan favorites post-game fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now.

To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

 

SCRAPPERS TO PARTNER WITH DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

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NILES, OH – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are excited to unveil the first of a series of five specialty jersey nights during the 2022 season. The Scrappers have partnered with the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley to create a specialty jersey that the Scrappers players will wear for Down Syndrome Awareness Night on Friday, July 22nd against the State College Spikes. Game worn jerseys will be auctioned off in person at the game and also online at mvscrappers.com and LiveSource. Jersey proceeds will benefit the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley.

“The Down Syndrome Association of the Valley truly values its partnership with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and appreciates the support and generosity that they provide not only to nonprofits such as ours, but to the entire community”, states Michele Jones, DSAV President and Co-Founder. “Our goal at DSAV is to create opportunities in which individuals with Down syndrome can actively participate in society and reach their full potential. The Scrappers’ community-minded reach ensures that individuals with Down syndrome are included in the local community and in fact, even feature them. This type of generosity gives wings to the dreams of individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the region.”

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set to open the 2022 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 2 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature fan favorites post-game fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

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SCRAPPERS NAME MANAGER

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NILES, OH – Former MLB second baseman and 1998 World Series champion, Homer Bush will manage the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the MLB Draft League during the 2022 season.

During his 7-year career in Major League Baseball, Bush recorded a .285 batting average with 176 runs scored and 363 extra-base hits, including 50 doubles,5 triples and 11 home runs in 162 games between the New York Yankees (1997-98, 2004), Toronto Blue Jays (1999-02), and Florida Marlins (2002).

Mahoning Valley will also see some familiar faces returning to their coaching staff this season. Vic Buttler, the head coach of Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, will be returning as the Scrappers hitting coach. Ron Mahay, who pitched in the MLB from 1995 to 2010, will be returning as head pitching coach with Craig Antush returning as assistant pitching coach.

Bush will not be the only new face managing an MLB Draft League team. Former Cincinnati Reds catcher and manager of the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, Joe Oliver, will be managing the Frederick Keys. Dave Trembley, the former 2007 manager of the Baltimore Orioles, will manage the State College Spikes. Managing the Williamsport Crosscutters this season will be Jesse Litsch, a former pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Trenton Thunder will have Jeff Manto back for the 2022 season and West Virginia will have last season’s manager, Jedd Gyroko, returning as well.

The MLB Draft League features six founding members (Frederick Keys, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears, and Williamsport Crosscutters) and provides an unparalleled fan and development experience that features former Major Leaguers and professional players as managers and coaches. To view the 2022 MLB Draft League schedule, visit mlbdraftleague.com; each team’s schedule also is accessible via its website.

For more information on the MLB Draft League, visit MLBDraftLeague.com and follow @mlbdraftleague on Twitter and Instagram. For player-focused analytics updates, follow @draftleaguedata on Twitter.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are set to open the 2022 season at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 2 against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Night will also feature fan favorites post-game fireworks and Buck Night. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To stay up to date with the Scrappers in the off-season or for more information, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.