Mahoning Valley Scrappers

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers were established in 1999 in Niles, Ohio, as a Class A Short-Season franchise in the New York–Penn League. The team originated when the New York–Penn League’s Erie SeaWolves franchise relocated to the Mahoning Valley following expansion in the Eastern League.^[2] The Scrappers were affiliated with the Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians), serving as a developmental team for newly drafted players entering professional baseball.^[3]

The franchise made an immediate impact in its inaugural 1999 season, finishing with a 43–33 record and winning its division before advancing to the league finals.^[4] Early success helped establish strong local support, with the team drawing over 200,000 fans in its first season.^[5]

The team transitioned into a founding member of the MLB Draft League in 2021, a collegiate summer league designed to showcase draft-eligible players.^[6]

Today, the Scrappers continue to operate in Niles, Ohio, playing at 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood (formerly known as Eastwood Field)^[7]

The Youngstown, Ohio radio station WBBW (1240 AM) originally broadcast Scrappers games from 1999 to 2001 with John Batcho calling the games.^{[citation needed]} In 2002, WNIO (1390 AM) took over broadcasting Scrappers games from 2002 to 2009.^{[citation needed]} Mike Pilch called their games in 2006 and 2007 while the broadcasts right were with Clear Channel.^{[citation needed]} WHTX (1570 AM) took over in 2010,^[14] followed by WHKZ (1440 AM The Word) broadcast Scrappers games in 2013, both radio stations from Warren, Ohio.^{[citation needed]} Austin Pollack was named the play-by-play broadcaster in January 2015. Pollack will broadcast all 76 games for the Scrappers.^{[citation needed]} In 2015, the Scrappers switched back to WBBW (Sportsradio 1240 AM). All of the games were carried live.^[15] From 2021 until 2022, local sports broadcasting network Your Sports Network, commonly referred to as YSNn began broadcasting Scrappers games on their website.^[16] Ron Potesta covered play by play duties in 2021 before Richie Juliano assumed the responsibilities of the "Voice of the Scrappers" in 2022.^{[citation needed]}

Former Channel 27 news anchor Robb Schmidt, is the current^[when?] P.A. announcer. Schmidt took over the position from John Brown, who was a communications student at Youngstown State University and served as announcer in 2009 and 2010. Brown replaced current Cleveland Indians announcer Ryan Pritt.^{[citation needed]}