NILES — The calendar suggests that today is the start of meteorological summer.

The thermometer, expected to hover near 90 degrees for the next couple of days, is showcasing that summer is already flexing its muscles throughout the Mahoning Valley.

The recent buzz and the excitement prevalent at Eastwood Field indicate “The Boys of Summer” are back.

So too are the fireworks, the bobbleheads, the Buck Nights and other promotions that have become a summer staple synonymous with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

Tonight the Scrappers open their 2023 season when they host the West Virginia Black Bears for the start of a four-game series. The first pitch is slated for 7:05.

“The timing couldn’t be better,” said Scrappers assistant pitching coach Craig Antush. “Opening day, a Buck Night, fireworks and great weather. The crowd should be phenomenal. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a community that has greatly supported the Scrappers for 25 years.”

Antush has been a part of the Scrappers’ organization in some capacity for the past 17 years. He noted that Opening Day at Eastwood Field “just never gets old.”

“Just walking into the stadium and seeing the appearance of the field, hearing the National Anthem for the first time, hearing the announcing of the rosters,” Antush said. “All of the hype and the excitement is indescribable. It’s just something that you have to experience in the moment.”

Tonight’s promotional schedule includes a Buck Night ($1 admission, hot dogs and drinks) and a post-game fireworks display. The four-game home series against West Virginia also features fireworks on Friday and a youth jersey giveaway on Saturday. On Sunday, a team meet and greet autograph session will take place following the game.

The 2023 home schedule features nine fireworks displays, five Buck Nights, and a trio of bobblehead nights (Steven Kwan, Oscar Gonzalez, Daniel Espino).

Friday will mark the first of nine Specialty Jersey Nights, which this year will include the likes of the “Mahoning Valley Cookie Tables” and a return of the Peppers in Oil.

On July 1 the Scrappers will host Cleveland Guardians Night, with an appearance by former Cleveland player Ellis Burks. Fans will also receive a Scrappers 25th anniversary commemorative program.

“We’re excited to be bringing back all of the promotions that have been fan favorites over the years, and we’re excited to add some new ones to the schedule,” said Scrappers General Manager Heather Sahli. “We’ve always prided ourselves in being able to provide affordable family entertainment.”

Sahli noted that many of the theme nights will be expanded to include events such as a wedding expo, a toy expo and a bobblemania buy, sell and trade show.

On July 2, the Scrappers will partner with the Niles Avenue and Main to host the city’s annual Harry Stevens Hot Dog Day Festival. The event will take place prior to the Scrappers’ game against State College.

“We’re really looking to expand our game night experience to include unique events and experiences,” Sahli said.

Changes will also be noticeable on the field.

For the first time in Scrappers history, Eastwood Field will be equipped with a pitch timer which will mimic the rules implemented by Major League Baseball designed to speed up the game.

The pitch timer will be utilized throughout the MLB Draft League.

“Our league is designed to get players ready for the draft and for baseball at the next level, so it makes sense that we implement Major League rules,” said Scrappers manager Dmitri Young. “In all sports, it’s common to see rules implemented at the professional level, then trickle down to other levels of play.

“There will be a bit of a learning process for everyone involved, me included. In fact, our roster will include several players coming to us straight from the college game and who will have played with the pitch timer this spring. We’ll rely on them to provide our staff with some insight.”

Tonight will mark the start of the 25th season of the Scrappers’ presence in The Valley. From 1999 to 2019 the Scrappers were a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and a member of the New York-Penn League. COVID canceled the entire 2020 season. Then in 2021, the Scrappers joined five other franchises as founding members of the MLB Draft League.