Scrappers introduce team ahead of opener

Open season Thursday against the West Virginia Black Bears

NILES -- Their hometowns are as far away as Caracas, Venezuela (Roberto Pena) and as nearby as Ravenna, Ohio (Eric Sapp). The youngest (Tanner Perry) was born in 2003, while the elder statesman of the group (Alan Carter) is a 24-year-old graduate student at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

On Tuesday, they were introduced to the area for the first time as the 2022 Mahoning Valley Scrappers at ScrappersFest at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, giving area baseball fans the opportunity to meet this year's players and coaches.

The Scrappers begin their season Thursday with a home game against West Virginia. The game marks the first of a scheduled four-game home series between the Scrappers and Black Bears.

"It's awesome to finally be here, it's a great feeling getting ready for the start of the season," said Scrappers first-year manager Homer Bush. "Regardless of what level you're talking about, and regardless of how many years you've been a part of this game, there's something truly special about opening day."

"No other sport matches the excitement of a home opener in baseball."

Bush, who won a World Series ring as a player with the New York Yankees in 1998, arrived in Niles last week. Players began arriving over the weekend and the team held its first workout on Monday.

"My first message to these players was to act professional at all times and to embrace the community," Bush said. "When I arrived here, it was immediately apparent that this area has a bond with the Scrappers, this team means a lot to the community."

"It's important that these players represent their hometowns and their colleges in a positive way. They have been provided with a great opportunity when they were invited to be a part of this league."

Craig Antush has been with the Scrappers in some capacity since 2007. Last year the Vienna Township resident was named the team's assistant pitching coach. He returns in the same role this season.

"These players are really going to enjoy themselves and at the same time they're going to become better players," Antush said. "There is a wealth of managers and coaches in this league who have some type of experience at the Major League level. Their knowledge and experience is invaluable for players looking to turn pro."

Antush noted that the talent in the MLB Draft League "is extremely comparable" to that of the New York-Penn League, which the Scrappers were a part of from 1999 to 2019.

"Really, the most noticeable difference is the desire to succeed," Antush said. "The players in the New York-Penn League were maybe a little more comfortable because they had already signed pro contracts. The players we had last year were so very driven, so determined to prove they deserved to be drafted."

"I'm sure we'll see that same sort of determination this summer."

Scrappers infielder Reed Chumley (Cypress, TX) recently completed his junior year at Houston Baptist University. While the MLB Draft League is primarily designed as a showcase league to help improve player draft stock, Chumley plans on returning to HBU next fall.

"If I get noticed and this helps improve my draft possibilities next year, that's great, but I just wanted the experience of playing against great competition throughout the summer months," Chumley said. "When I was invited to play in this league I jumped at the chance because the talent level here is noticeably strong."

"The biggest plus is this coaching staff. I'm going to be surrounded by some great baseball minds this summer. That can do wonders for my future."

Scrappers outfielder Jason Hinchman (Tennessee Tech) returns to the Scrappers this summer after being a part of the team a year ago. He will eventually be joined by at least three teammates from last year's roster.

"I couldn't wait to come back," Hinchman said. "The overall talent in this league really keeps you sharp. And the exposure is unmatched. This league goes out of its way to showcase its players."

Hinchman said that last season provided "a great mix of fun and hard work."

"The everyday schedule, the travel, it's similar to what takes place in the minor leagues and it's a great preparation tool, plus it forms some great bonds," Hinchman said.

Hinchman's favorite non-baseball related memory of 2021?

"The restaurants here are great, and I love Handel's ice cream," Hinchman said.

The Scrappers are scheduled to play 40 home games this year at Eastwood Field. The season runs through Sept. 4, with a league championship game slated for Sept. 6.