Families enjoy legacy of local baseball at Mahoning Valley Scrappers opening night victory
Lisa Lodwick and her family have enjoyed coming to watch Mahoning Valley Scrappers opening night games at Eastwood Field for as long as she can remember.
This year, she and her son, Jeremy, sit in the front row on the third baseline side, but they’re remembering a special longtime fan.
“We’ve been coming since the league started; it was my dad and I,” said Lisa. “Then my dad, my son and I started coming, then my dad passed away in September of 2022. So it’s kind of bittersweet to come to opening game today without him, right. Because we had a routine, you know, we usually come in the handicap gate, and so, tonight’s game was just a little bit different. We’re just trying to go and enjoy the game for his sake.”
The Lodwicks said highlights include watching athletes get their start in Niles over the years before being picked up by the Cleveland Guardians.
“it’s a family family tradition,” said Lisa. “Plus, we’ve never missed a fourth of July game in year, until this year. This will be the first time we’ve missed a fourth of July game for years. Fireworks here, they’re really, really good. They do a good job with those, the shows are always top notch.”
Mahoning Valley Scrappers win first game of season
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers began the 2023 MLB draft league summer baseball season Thursday at Eastwood with a 7-4 win against the West Virginia Black Bears.
The homestand continues as the Scrappers take on the Black Bears again at 7:05 p.m. Friday.
It’s Cancer Awareness Night with jersey proceeds going toward Mercy Health Foundation. The series against West Virginia continues through June 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Get the latest Mahoning Valley news in your email inbox weekday mornings. Sign up here for our free daily newsletter.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here’s how you can support Mahoning Matters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow Mahoning Matters on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
This story was originally published June 2, 2023 at 3:45 PM.