As June begins to bust out all over on this sunny Monday, that must mean the Mahoning Valley’s boys of summer soon will be busting out all over the 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood — to the delight of tens of thousands.

Yes, Tuesday marks the start of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ 28th glorious year as an organization and its sixth season as a member of Major League Baseball’s increasingly respected Draft League. We suspect a full house will be on hand at the newly named stadium in the Eastwood Mall Complex in Niles when the first pitch against the State College (Pa.) Spikes is thrown at 7:05 p.m.

After all, the Scrappers’ fan base continues to register phenomenal growth and ranks among the highest in the six-team league. Between 2021 and 2025, official season attendance has leaped from 68,440 to 93,701, which is a 37% increase.

We’re betting that growth will swell even more now through their closing game on Sept. 1. The MV squad, sponsored primarily once again this year by Foxconn, 7 17 and others, has grown to become the pre-eminent summer sports and entertainment institution in the Youngstown-Warren region. The team has forged strong and enduring bonds with Major League Baseball, the Valley community and a passionate and devoted fan base.

They have more than proved their endurance. After all, a string of lower-tier professional sports teams has come and gone in our community over the past quarter century. Most of them lacked sufficient fan support and organization to keep them on the ice, on the field or on the court.

From a strictly business perspective, the team has proved itself an asset for MLB in its primary mission of player development. The squad has fielded more than 100 savvy players over the years who have ended up on Major League rosters. In the 2025 MLB Draft, of 48 total players selected, 10 were talented MV players.

From a community-building perspective, the Scrappers drive home a tangible spirit of regionalism and pride in our five-county area, a refreshing change from the parochial and negative attitudes that too often hinder progress on economic, community development and other playing fields.

And while fans support the team, the Scrappers support their home base. The team wields a significant economic impact on the Valley through its staff and scores of game-night workers. The team assists hundreds of community groups through mascot Scrappy appearances, donations and fundraising programs.

The Scrappers also provide families and individuals with excitement at affordable prices, close to home and in one of the most attractive ballparks in the draft league. Promotional highlights this season include many post-game fireworks, premium bobblehead giveaways and nine specialty jersey nights. Jersey auctions and ticket specials directly benefit local charities, such as Goodwill Industries, Rich Center for Autism, Cadence Care Network, the Fairhaven Foundation and other regional nonprofits.

For example, proceeds from Tuesday’s Jimmy Buffett-themed “Margaritaville Night” will benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Mahoning Valley. Jersey giveaways, a pre-game concert by the Suns of Beaches Band and post-game fireworks show will add to opening-night excitement.

New this season is the team’s manager, Raul Gonzalez. He made his Major League Baseball debut for the Chicago Cubs in 2000 and concluded his MLB playing career with the Cleveland Indians in 2004. During the 2023-24 season, he served as the assistant hitting coach for the Arizona Complex League Guardians.

Fans also can’t help but notice the brand-spanking new $1.4 million installation of synthetic turf on the expansive field. That improvement provides better weather resilience, reduced maintenance costs and expanded event hosting capabilities for the team.

Clearly, the 2026 Scrappers season will drive home plenty of enjoyment and excitement. For those who can’t wait for the home opener Tuesday night, the team has you covered. The 2026 Scrappers players and coaches will greet fans today (Monday) from 6 to 8 p.m. during ScrapperFest at the center court inside Eastwood Mall. It will feature prizes, bounce houses, a DJ, face painting, special ticket packages and more.

Then come Tuesday, we’re counting on 6,000 folks to rock the stadium and launch a record 100,000-fan season at the stadium renowned for its “baseball with bite.” In so doing, they’ll help make this 2026 season of scrappy baseball in the Valley a deep and smashing hit.