Jan Cracraft, of Poland, proudly carried a “We love the Scrappers” sign at Wednesday’s rally at the Eastwood Mall. She says she doesn’t make it to every game but loves watching the games and, of course, the fireworks. Major League Baseball may drop the team after the 2020 season. Staff photos / Beth Shiller

NILES — Baseball fans packed the Eastwood Mall center court Wednesday in support of keeping the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Minor League Baseball team.

The Scrappers are listed as one of 42 minor league teams that might lose a Major League Baseball player development contract after the 2020 season. The Scrappers opened in 1999 and several major leaguers got their start at Eastwood Field, including current Cleveland Indians Francisco Lindor, Shane Bieber and Jose Ramirez, along with former Tribe members and perennial all-stars Victor Martinez and CC Sabathia.

“It really makes my heart happy to see that so many people have been with us since the start and want it to stay,” Jordan Taylor, Scrappers general manager, said. Taylor said he was surprised to hear that the Scrappers might lose its contract, but assured the crowd that he’s doing everything he can to save the team.

The mall was filled with Scrappers fans and local politicians who said they love the sport and don’t want to see it go. U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan, D-Howland, and Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, spoke about their love of the sport and how they will fight to keep the Scrappers in the Valley.

“Baseball is America’s sport,” Johnson said. “We’re going to do everything we can because this is more than just about jobs. It’s about community; it’s about family. It’s about the identity of the Mahoning Valley. Baseball is a staple in American communities.”

The Trumbull County Board of Commissioners, along with Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz and Hubbard Mayor Ben Kyle, also spoke about how much the team means to the Valley, and the residents’ passion for keeping the Scrappers.

“I love seeing everybody out here. If we rally together, we can get this done,” Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa said.

“The Scrappers are the definition of ‘community,'” Mientkiewicz said.

A couple hundred baseball fans at the 90-minute rally also showed they don’t want to see the team leave.

“They are very important, they mean a lot to us and to the community,” said Scott Capron of Warren, attending with his wife Holly. They said they are huge baseball fans and even got married at home plate in Eastwood Field. Since 2008, they have hosted about 10 minor league players at their home.

Denise Stoneman of Boardman and her family have been hosting players since 2013 and recently hosted former Scrapper Ben Heller, who was called up to the New York Yankees.

“We kind of think of ourselves as a home away from home for the players. Some of them are drafted right out of high school, and coming to the Mahoning Valley and playing for our short-season Scrappers team is their first time away from home,” Stoneman said. “I can’t stress enough the importance of having the Scrappers here in the community.”

The Scrappers have been committed to helping the Valley since 1999. The organization employs more than 200 people every year and between 2015 and 2019, gave more than $400,000 in charitable donations every year.

“Their economic impact is significant. I don’t want their impact overlooked,” Ginny Pasha, president of United Way of Trumbull County, said. “They have been incredibly generous with their time and support, and not just to us at the United Way. We need to understand the ramifications this could have on nonprofit organizations.”

bshiller@tribtoday.com