PDC extension news

In the ever changing Minor League landscape, the affiliation between the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the Cleveland Indians was extended for two more seasons. The contract would expire after this season, but apparently both teams are happy with each other and extended the cooperation through the 2018 season.

Since 1999, the inaugural season of the Scrappers (A Short Season, New York – Penn League), the two teams have been working together, so it is one of the longest and most stable affiliations in professional baseball.

As usual courtesies were extended from both sides.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to renew our partnership with the Cleveland Indians,” stated Vice President of HWS Baseball and Scrappers General Manager, Jordan Taylor. “The Cleveland Indians are a first class organization and we are proud to be their partner. We look forward to watching the next wave of Cleveland Indians begin their careers at Eastwood Field.” HWS Baseball is an owner group that owns and operates three other baseball clubs as well: the A Advanced Modesto Nuts (California League), the AA Mobile BayBears (Southern League) and the Columbia Blowfish of the Summer Collegiate Coastal Plain League.

Cleveland Indians Director of Player Development Carter Hawkins said the following about the long standing cooperation between the two clubs: “Our affiliation with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the community of Niles is an outstanding match. The support and resources that HWS Baseball and the Scrappers provide is crucial in building a strong foundation for our young players’ development, while the community’s involvement and excitement creates an ideal environment for our team. We are thrilled to extend the relationship, and look forward to many more Indians players beginning their journey towards the Major Leagues as a Scrapper.”

Since 1999, the Scrappers won four division titles (1999, 2000, 2004 and 2009) and one championship (2004).

Some well known players that wore the Scrappers’ uniform are Asdrubal Cabrera, Fausto Carmona, Ryan Church, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Victor Martinez and C.C. Sabathia.