Mahoning Valley Scrappers

he 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]

Throughout the early 2000s, the Scrappers remained competitive within the New York–Penn League, highlighted by consistent attendance and periodic playoff appearances. The franchise reached its peak in 2004, when it captured the New York–Penn League championship; the only league title in team history.^[6]

Over more than two decades as a Minor League Baseball affiliate (1999–2020), the Scrappers developed numerous players who went on to Major League Baseball careers, reinforcing the team’s role as a key entry point for professional prospects.

Following Major League Baseball’s reorganization of the minor leagues after the 2020 season, the Scrappers lost their affiliated status.^[7] Beginning in 2021, the team transitioned into a founding member of the MLB Draft League, a collegiate summer league designed to showcase draft-eligible players.^[8]

Today, the Scrappers continue to operate in Niles, Ohio, playing at 7/17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood (formerly known as Eastwood Field),^[9] maintaining their role as a developmental platform for emerging baseball talent.

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,^[16] 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.^[17] From 2021 until 2022, local sports broadcasting network Your Sports Network, commonly referred to as YSNn began broadcasting Scrappers games on their website.^[18] 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]}