Staff photos / R. Michael Semple Ava Burkey, 11, of Canfield, left, gets her Scrappers bobblehead box autographed by Mahoning Valley Scrappers outfielder #12 Jordan Taylor, just before the start of the home opener Friday. Fans enjoyed a bobblehead giveaway, themed jerseys, wine specials and fireworks after the game. The Scrappers take the field again tonight at 7:05 against the Frederick Keys.

NILES — As Robert Faith emerged from the concourse into the seating bowl at Eastwood Field, he was serenaded by the songs of Jimmy Buffett.

The Suns of Beaches Band played “Margaritaville” from the Penguin City Picnic Garden as Faith and thousands of other fans were pouring in well before the 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

As a sixth-year season ticket holder, Faith, of Niles, was thrilled to be at another Mahoning Valley Scrappers home opener.

The Scrappers’ Friday matchup with the Frederick Keys was the first of many games Faith will attend this season.

“We come to all the games regardless,” he said. “There’s 40 games and I would say we probably make it to 95% of the games.”

Faith said part of the reason he and his wife go to nearly every Scrappers game is because they live “right across the street.”

“It usually takes us longer to get out of the parking lot than to get home,” he said. “Where else can you go, for fairly cheap, for a night out?”

Another Niles resident, Joshua Baumgartner, said his love for baseball was passed onto him from his father.

“It really is a joy to have a team here in our hometown that we can come out and enjoy,” he said. “We don’t have to drive an hour away, we have it right in our backyard.”

Baumgartner, who was at the game with his girlfriend and their children, said they typically go to five or six Scrappers games per year. He said he is a big fan of the promotional games.

On top of having the performance by The Suns of Beaches Band, the team was also giving away bobbleheads of its mascot Scrappy, specialty Margaritaville-themed jerseys and fans were able to enjoy wine specials and post-game fireworks.

Baumgartner said he was most excited about the Scrappy bobblehead.

“I’ve actually started a bobblehead collection so I rather enjoy this,” he said.

He said he previously enjoyed the brews and baseball night and he is looking forward to going to the PNC Diamond Club for his birthday.

Baumgartner said he appreciates the small-town feel of the team.

“For right now, it’s just Scrappers,” he said. “Even though I lived in Cleveland, I’d rather be in a small town than be in a big city. It makes it easy to keep track of our children!”

Ezra Rebel, from Hubbard Township, was attending his first Scrappers game.

“We saw online that it was opening night with the festivities and stuff,” he said.

Rebel and his wife purchased a “sweet spot savings card,” which included tickets to multiple games throughout the season.

“It’s nice and convenient, it’s nice that it is close by,” Rebel said. “I’m not a huge baseball fan, but it’s a fun night out.”

The Scrappers next game is tonight, again against the Keys with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

Ezra Rebel of Hubbard, right, and friend Garrett Barth of Mansfield, talk about attending the Mahoning Valley Scrappers home opener Friday evening at Eastwood Field.