Scrappers Host Feb. 19 Community Support Rally

NILES, Ohio –The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will hold a support rally Feb. 19 in Center Court at the Eastwood Mall.

The Scrappers, the Short Season Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, will provide information at the event about fans can work to keep the baseball team here beyond the upcoming season.

The team, which plays at Eastwood Field in Niles, were among the teams named in a potential restructuring of the minor-league system that could lead to as many as 25% of teams losing their player development contracts with Major League Baseball teams for the 2021 season.

In 2018, Scrappers management announced the team has signed a lease with the Cafaro Co., which owns Eastwood Field, through 2033.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13 Ohio, last week requested a meeting with Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred to discuss the plans to cut the Scrappers and other endangered teams. He previously called on Manfred to reverse the decision.

Among the 42 teams nationwide on the list reported by The New York Times are eight other members of the New York-Penn League alongside the Scrappers. 

The Scrappers begin their 2020 season June 18 at the West Virginia Black Bears. The home opener is June 24 against the Auburn Doubledays.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.