Opening day brings back loyal Scrappers fans
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NILES -- Mahoning Valley Scrappers fans have seen hundreds of players grace their local diamond in the searing heat of Ohio summers over the years.
For some fans, attending countless games since the club began its inaugural season in 1999 has made them feel like part of the team.
For Toby Miller and his wife, Peggy, the baseball team has become a family affair. The ballpark is not a far commute for the Millers, who live in Champion, and they were in attendance at the Scrappers began their 25th season of baseball in Niles on Thursday. The Scrappers took on the West Virginia Black Bears at Eastwood Field.
It was to no surprise of anyone in the stadium, as the Millers are regulars there. Toby and Peggy, who will celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary this July, have been at every Scrappers home opener.
As avid baseball fans, the Millers are grateful for every opportunity they get to watch a game at the stadium, especially on opening day.
"We don't plan anything for opening day," Peggy said. "That's for here. We love coming to the stadium. It's like a tradition now. We always come to the home opener and then quite a few games during the season. I think we're just so fortunate to have them here, so close."
Several fans in attendance Thursday night were donning Cleveland Guardians or throwback Cleveland Indians jerseys. Like those fans, the Millers, too, are fans of the professional club in Cleveland.
With the trip to Progressive Field being a significant trek for most fans, the Scrappers are the best way for baseball lovers in the Mahoning Valley to get their baseball fix.
"It's phenomenal," Toby said. "We just love them. This is real baseball. It's here -- we don't have to drive all the way to Cleveland.
From 1999 to 2020, the Scrappers were a minor league affiliate of the Indians.
The Scrappers have developed dozens of professional players. From high level pitchers such as Cleveland's current ace Shane Bieber, to great hitters like Francisco Lindor, some of Major League Baseball's best players began their careers in Niles.
Local baseball fans such as the Millers are thrilled whenever a player from their Scrappers makes it to the big leagues.
"I think its very exciting that we have people who actually played here go to the Indians professionally," Peggy said. "It's very exciting watching it and we kind of watch them more because they are from here. We kept an eye on their careers all these years."
Although the Scrappers are no longer affiliated with a professional team, they still field high level players every year as part of the MLB Draft League. As part of the league, the Scrappers field players who are top prospects in the upcoming MLB draft. Because of that connection, the Scrappers will continue to have great players for residents like the Millers to watch for years to come.
"These guys are going to be professionals sooner or later," Toby said. "We get to see them when they first start out, keep and eye on the names, and see the guys that come up through. We've seen a lot of guys who've come up through and made it to the majors. It's fun to watch. We know they're not top professionals, but they're great ball players. It's really been fun to watch them."
mcole@tribtoday.com