NILES — It doesn’t take long to realize that Mahoning Valley Scrappers catcher Keegan Rodin loves the game of baseball.

The smile on his face as he makes his way from the clubhouse to the dugout says it all. The willingness to intermingle with fans isn’t a chore for Rodin, but rather an opportunity to share and spread his love for the game. The genuine support he displays toward teammates – some who may have joined the team just days ago – would suggest that he is interacting with lifelong friends.

Rodin says that he would one day “maybe love to serve as an ambassador for the game in some way.”

In reality, Rodin is already unknowingly doing just that through his words and actions.

A native of Phoenix, Rodin says he was “born into baseball.” And in fact, he inherited the role as a catcher. Both his grandfather and father played the position. His father, Jeff, played two years in junior college, then finished out his career at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He later went to work for the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks, and currently works for MLB and serves as the Operations Coordinator of the Arizona Fall League.

“I mean, I had a choice, but for me it never was a choice,” Rodin said. “I tried playing other sports, but things just didn’t click. My family is originally from Chicago, and I remember (in 2016) us all watching the Cubs win the World Series, and I was just in awe. I thought that was the greatest thing ever.

“When I was a sophomore in high school I stopped playing other sports and focused solely on baseball. I mean, I encourage all kids to play any sport they love. They’re games. Have fun. Play all the sports that you enjoy. It’s just for me, I totally love baseball.”

Rodin played two years at Chandler-Gibert Community College (Ariz.). He then completed his college career at Azusa Pacific University (Calif.), where he also graduated with a degree in Communications Management.

Rodin is one of just a handful of players who have been with the Scrappers since the start of the season in early June.

“I love it here, this is a great area and it’s great that the fans come out every night and support us the way they do,” Rodin said. “As someone who originally played at a junior college whose only fans were the parents of the players, it’s great to have the whole community come out and show support.”

As for his role as a catcher? Rodin shrugs off the notion that throwing on the gear and working behind home plate on a 90-degree day can take its toll on the body. He describes catching as “a blast,” and says he loves the fact that the position requires him to stay focused on every pitch.

“You get used to the catching gear and the constant up and down and all that real quick,” Rodin said. “I enjoy the fact that I’m helping another guy achieve his goal. If the pitcher looks great, then I look good and the whole team wins.

“I do like to take control in terms of calling pitches. I like to direct traffic a little bit. But at the same time I’m just one of nine guys out there. I just try to do my part to help the team win, because that’s always the bottom line for me no matter what team I play for, no matter what level I’m at.”

Rodin knows that reaching the Big Leagues is a tall task, even for the top prospects. He also knows that as long as he’s on a baseball field, his dream is still alive. With that in mind, Rodin says he will continue to pursue his goal of playing at the professional level as long as the opportunities are within reach.

Regardless, Rodin believes his future will revolve around baseball. He noted that he has “dabbled in coaching,” and that might be an option after his playing days are over. With a degree in communications, Rodin says he may one day be reporting on the games rather than playing them.

For now, Rodin says he is “beyond thankful and blessed” to be provided with the opportunity to play in the MLB Draft League. He also is eager to offer up advice to his fellow baseball enthusiasts.

“Just never lose your love of the game,” Rodin said. “I’ve seen a lot of guys come into this game and get a lot out of it. But I’ve also seen the other side where they don’t get what they feel like they should out of it and they come away not loving the game like they used to.

“My only advice is that no matter what you’re doing in life, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. If you’re coming to a baseball field for ten hours a day, make absolutely sure that’s what you want to do. Not everyone wants to be in an office, not everyone wants to work on baseball 10 hours a day. You have to do what you love. Right now I’m doing just that.”

TUESDAY’S GAME

The Scrappers entered their two-game home series against Williamsport having won 16 of 24 games played this year at Eastwood Field.

However on a night when the Scrappers changed their name to the Brier Hill Pizzas, home cooking didn’t provide the proper ingredients for a win.

For a second straight night, the Crosscutters defeated the Scrappers, this time it was a 4-2 Williamsport win in front of 1,725 fans.

Just like Monday, Williamsport scored in the first inning and never looked back. In fact, the Crosscutters wasted no time. Leadoff hitter Vantrel Reed belted a home run over the center-field wall, giving the Crosscutters a 1-0 lead.

A leadoff walk and a double off the bat of Joey Parliment gave the Crosscutters a 2-0 lead in the fourth.

The Scrappers cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth to cut their deficit to 2-1. Cardinal Mooney and Youngstown State product Ian Francis – batting .357 – reached on a leadoff single. Francis later scored from second a wild pitch.

Williamsport regained its two-run lead in the seventh on a Jackson Mayo RBI sacrifice fly.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Scrappers again cut their deficit to one run, this time on Tommy Rover’s first home run of the season. However Williamsport catcher TJ Raucherbaumer answered with a solo homer in the top of the ninth.

Chase Nixon singled to lead off the ninth, but the next three Scrappers batters were retired to end the game.

Nolan Coil worked five innings for the Scrappers, giving up two runs on just three hits. He walked four and struck out three.

The Scrappers begin a three-game series tonight at State College.