NILES, Ohio – For decades, stories have echoed through the woods and backroads of northeastern Ohio about a mysterious creature known as the Grassman.
The beast is a towering, hairy giant who roams the forests and fields. Locals claim the creature gets its name from the massive nests it leaves behind – huge piles of grass, branches and leaves hidden deep in the woods. Some say the Grassman has been spotted wandering creek beds, crossing rural roads at night and even watching from the tree line during summer evenings.
Over the past week, groundskeepers at the Scrappers’ stadium say they have found enormous footprints near the warning track and spotted something tall and hairy in the trees beyond the stadium lights, according to a note to the media from the team. Some believe the creature is drawn to the energy of baseball season.
One thing is certain. On June 11, the legendary name will be present on the field.
To celebrate one of the region’s most legendary creatures, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will be renamed the Mahoning Valley Grassmen for a special promotional night.
Players will take the field wearing limited-edition Grassmen jerseys and hats. Player jerseys will be auctioned online and at the game.
Retail Grassmen hats and T-shirts are available now for preorder at MVScrappers.com. Those who preorder before April 8 will be entered to win a limited edition Grassmen jersey.
The Scrappers will open the 2026 season on June 2 at 717 Credit Union Field at Eastwood against the State College Spikes. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are available at the website.