Posts Tagged ‘Lisa Neeld’

When I first met Lisa Neeld in the Summer of 2009 at a Scrappers game, I was not sure what to think of her.  I knew she was in Playboy and she came off as ditzy and careless.  First impressions don’t always tell the tale, especially in this case.  Several interviews later, and a few appearances on her reality show, have made Lisa a close acquaintance who I now think very highly of.  How can anyone not respect a single mother who is business savvy and works out like a middleweight contender?

Neeld is busy again, very busy.  Her newest venture, Lisa Neeld’s VIP Fitness Studio reflects the type of person that Neeld is.  It is not the typical Zumba center because it is a bit more intense.  There are classes running now and Lisa Neeld is in top shape, she just ran a marathon in Denver earlier this year, a 26.2 k.  She toned it down last month with a modest 13.1k run.

“It was verified in Cleveland that I was officially the first cover model to ever finish a marathon”, said Neeld.  “To this day, I am the only one from Playboy to do that, I am the exception.”

She is also gearing up for season two of VIP Style, her reality show that will start filming within the month.  Don’t think she slacks off her duties of motherhood for selfish fulfillment either, her kids mean the world to her.  She is truly why people should not refer to Playboy models as dead weight in the real world.  Neeld is a contributor and now a friend.  I recently caught up with her to talk about the new gym and season two of the reality show.

Paneech:  Tell me what you have been into these days.

Neeld:  This [fitness center] is home base right now.  We are going into Season Two of VIP Style on September 6th and we are so excited to be doing all new episodes.  There are still reruns going on the CW right now, but we are thrilled about this upcoming season, it will be better than the first.  You’ll be in there!

Paneech:  How are the other things going, like your trademark brand barbecue sauce?

Neeld:  Guy of Guy’s Barbecue is a good friend and he was the mind behind that whole project when it started.  We are out of the food business now, it was fun while it lasted but it was not for me (laughs).  I have also left ‘The Wolf’, it was time and it ran its course.  The fact that I am a single mom makes it tough when you are only one person.  I love Fast Freddie and the gang over there.

Paneech:  So just how much preparation goes into the TV show?

Neeld:  We are already having meetings now to put together a shooting schedule and get things ready, like compiling footage to be edited.  We line all of that up, and I am going to be doing a lot more with the local boxing shows.

Paneech:  Nice gym you have here, what brand of clientele are you drawing?

Neeld:  Thanks!  It is a pretty diverse crowd.  I have a boxer who is coming in here to train.  I have Zumba, Cardio-Go-Go, and Hip Hop programs that are drawing mostly women.  But this ain’t no fluffy spot, we have the hardcore stuff too.  The only thing pink in here is the bathroom and it is a hard pink.  We are trying to cater to everyone.  We have a killer Insanity class on Tuesday’s.  We have a hardcore abs sculpting class.  Even the softer stuff is harder.

Paneech:  So my fat and out of shape self comes through your door, how am I sucked into the programs offered?

Neeld:  (laughs, maybe too loud)  There are different options.  If you are doing the classes like the drumming, kettle bell, kickboxing, or ab sculpting, they are offered in a $29 monthly package – and that is unlimited access, you can come five times a week if you want.  There are also ways to come in and pay for a single class, it is a better deal to get the month though.  I have a basketball player from Youngstown State named Steve who is coming now, he is really maximizing the programs offered here.  The good thing is that I have housewives that also come and get what they need too.

Paneech:  So is it all group work?

Neeld:  Well, we do personal training.  We utilize the Total Gym systems, which are all gravity-based.  We also use suspension training.  I guarantee we can do anything on the straps and Total Gym that any gym can offer.  It is a great concept of using your own body weight against itself.  I am personally involved with every class.  I have a male instructor, Gary Mink, who has 35 marathons under his belt, he is a trainer.  We also offer ‘buddy workouts’ where two people can work out at once.  I do the Zumba and drums class.

Paneech:  If it catches on, will you look for a bigger place?

Neeld:  You know me well enough to know that I go big.  Once we fill in and add time slots, we will look into expansion or open another.  I would like to use five years as a mark to expand.  We are right across the street from Wal-Mart in Cortland, so it is easy to find.  In an average day, I am doing three classes, doing a couple of personal training sessions, and still getting my running in.  We offer about 17 classes plus the personal training a week.  So far the people love it, I am proud that there is no competition here, everyone is comfortable and it is a friendly and productive environment.

Paneech:  How do you make someone challenge their limits to do more?

Neeld:  I have learned how to watch people.  When they are not talking, it is too hard and they are not having fun because it is too hard.  I push people within reason and I would never make a customer do something that I have not or could not do.

Paneech:  There is a whole shelf full of toys.  Drum sticks I know how to use.  What purpose do they serve here?

Neeld:  We flip over milk crates and use stability balls.  The workout consists of pounding away for 45 minutes.  It is the most intense arm-toning thing you can do.  Five minutes into it people are stunned at how tired they are already.  The ladies like it because they can take their aggression out.  It also sharpens the mind and hand-eye coordination.

The concepts are fresh, the hostess wants the customers to benefit, and she is there giving her all, every single day.  Lisa Neeld’s VIP Fitness Center is a very unique and fresh approach to fitness.  She is evolving beyond throwing pitches at Scrappers games and appearances to focus on her newest venture due to time constraints.  She claims there are not enough hours in the day, I claim there are not enough Lisa Neelds in the world.

 

 

Lisa Neeld has been a busy woman lately.  She has stacked her appearances, started filming a reality show for television, continues to sell barbecue sauce, and is a full-time mother.  I became enamored with Neeld when I asked her ten baseball questions at a Scrappers game.  She played along, the good sport that she is, and had fun with a segment that many Playboy models would scoff away from.  A year later, I followed that up with ten boxing questions.  Same playful Lisa, same comical approach, same demeanor.

Neeld is excited about her new reality show, simply called Lisa Neeld: VIP Style.  The show airs at 6:30 in the morning on the WB Network every Thursday.  It is commercial-free and the interview which I conducted will be featured on one of the upcoming episodes, so set your DVR, it is fun to watch.

Having never interviewed a Playboy model before, I was cautious, but brought my highest line of questioning.  Lisa, as always, was very accommodating and honest.  I have a lot of respect for her because of the way she is going about life without the stereotypical priss label. All too many times, albeit an athlete or a musician with some level of fame, certain media outlets are snubbed because a celebrity feels too “big” to be a part of anything less than TMZ or a major publication.

Paneech: Tell me about the reality show.

Neeld: I was doing small reality clips for 93.3, The Wolf, and all of a sudden we got with some friends who would film and edit.  My producer, Mike Kolovich, signed on with us to do it.  It airs every Thursday morning at 6:30 on the CW Network.  It showcases the lifestyle I lead with all of the different roles in comparison to businesswomen and moms.  Things that people don’t necessarily think of associating with me.

Paneech: You were in Playboy.  How does that work with two children?  Is that something you will have to tell them?

Neeld: My children already know.  My first issue came out in 2008 and then I was on the cover in 2010.  When the first issue came out, my son was ten.  We didn’t let him see the magazine, but we did tell him.  I would rather he hear about it from me rather than kids at school who may have heard it from their parents.  I didn’t want to put him in a bad light because I was proud of it.  Playboy is very classy and to be chosen by them, and later land a cover is honorable, but I would never want my children to think that I did something wrong. My daughter is only eight, and when she is old enough, she will know from me.  My children know everything that I do and there is nothing to hide.

Paneech: How about other family members?  Did they chastise you because of your decision?

Neeld: Actually, I have no family.  My mom passed away five years ago.  She raised me as a single parent and I have not had to deal with that issue.  She would have been proud of me.  The whole time I was growing up, she had me in dance line, pageantry, dancing lessons, and modeling.  She would have been very proud and it is sad that she is not able to see the things that I have accomplished like this show.

Paneech: How much charity work do you do?  Also, do you feel obligated to do charitable work, or is it something you enjoy?

Neeld: I have a personal charity that I work with.  I work with Someplace Safe, a charity that works toward the awareness and prevention of domestic violence, which is pretty important to me.  I always try to arrange something that will benefit them.  We have had bowling nights, a blizzard thing at Dairy Queen, sold cut-out hearts, and many other things.  I feel it is a charity which is often overlooked because victims are afraid to speak up.

Paneech: Lets talk about Hugh Hefner.  This guy is like 90 years old, lands beautiful 21 year-old girlfriends, is loaded, and seems unhappy.  At the same time, he seems humble and grounded.  What have your experiences around him been like?

Neeld: I have met him several times at the Playboy Mansion and he is very down to earth.  He is a nice and sweet guy and actually cares about the younger girls.  There are a lot of girls who come through that have had issues or problems and he is actually there offering his support and helping them.  He is an all-around great guy.  I feel like he sometimes gets a bad rap, but he is an amazing person.

Paneech: You seem busier these days than you were two years ago.  Do you have any spare time?

Neeld: I hang out with my children.  We kind of like to stay at home.  I am always out so much and I am not the best cook in the world, I’m not going to lie, so we prefer to hang out and enjoy our time together.  Personally, when I have spare time, I like to run.  I like to work out, box, run – it’s not hyper it’s high energy (laughs).  I would probably want to go to a spa, I guess.  Well actually, the perfect night to me is just staying at home and watching TV.  I don’t have to be “dolled up”, worrying about appearances, so it is nice to just chill out.  I like a good movie, but I am not into the price of popcorn though.

Paneech: A lot of models who have posed for Playboy have been approached to appear in adult movies.  Have you been bothered for that yet?

Neeld: Yeah…  Yeah, I was contacted about a year ago by a competitor of Playboy to do a shoot and we declined.  If it is something I am asked to do that I feel I would be embarrassed telling my son about, then I will not do it.  I won’t cross a line that would potentially put my child in an embarrassing situation.  If people opt to do that stuff, than that is their option, but I will not cross that line.  It is one thing to do appearances and have fun, but nothing too risque.

Paneech: What is with the barbecue sauce?  How did that start and how are sales?

Neeld: The barbecue sauce came about when my friend Guy Hughes, of Guy’s Barbecue, had all of his products lined up at a press conference.  I picked up one of the bottles and jokingly said, ‘Why don’t you make me a sauce and put my name on it.  I can call it Saucy Housewife’.  Next thing you know, we have attorneys checking copyright facts and it wasn’t taken, so a month later it is in production at Summer Garden on McClurg Road and going into a production run of 1,200 cases or some crazy amount.  The Scrappers made it the exclusive barbecue sauce of the stadium and they made pulled pork this season for the first time.  The label on it shows a little too much cleavage so we couldn’t market it at family grocery-type stores.

Paneech: When does all of this get tiring?

Neeld: Never.  I have my days when I want to stay home in my sweatpants and cuddle up with my kids.  However, it is my job.  There are days when I am sure you don’t want to go to work and do your job.  I love what I do and I appreciate people’s support and I never take that for granted.  No matter how many times, or which venue, I get excited that people are making the effort to come and see me, it is pretty flattering.

Paneech: You have barbecue sauce, security, a reality show, a career you love, but the one thing you don’t seem to have is an agent.

Neeld: At this point, I do not have an agent.  I have contacts in California who handle some of the bigger publications and things like that.  I pretty much handle everything else on my own, not necessarily by choice, but because there is too much of the legwork that I have already taken care of and it is just easier for me to handle it myself rather than explaining everything to a third person.  The third person can easily get things twisted.  As long as I can continue to handle it myself, I will.

Paneech: Tomorrow is a school day, your kids will probably be in school.  How will you spend your day?

Neeld: We start off at six.  My son gets his bus at seven, and my daughter goes by eight, so I am in ‘mommy’ role until then.  After that, I immediately get with my trainer and we will run.  Some days it is five miles, other days ten.  The way I look at it, it is job maintenance plus you always feel better after that anyway.  After that, I go right into making business calls and doing some networking.  It is not a typical day because things always change.

Paneech: If I rub this cup of lemonade you are drinking and a genie comes out and says you can have any three wishes, what would they be?

Neeld: Firstly, I would always wish that my children are safe and that nothing bad will happen to them.  Secondly, I would wish to remain happy, not knowing what that will entail over the next couple of years.  Third, I would say I want to be able to adjust to anything. No matter what happens, I would also want a Jeep for my friend, a red Jeep.

Neeld will be coming to a function you may be attending soon, make an effort to meet her, she is definitely not who you would think, in a good way.

Last Summer, on a whim, I asked Lisa Neeld ten questions about baseball at a baseball game.  The next time I would see the Playboy Model was at a boxing match.  Because the readers enjoyed the baseball questions and answers so much, here are ten questions about boxing with ten answers from Lisa.  I will be doing a full-blown interview with Neeld in the near future.  Until then, enjoy!

Q: Ray Mancini’s nickname is ‘Boom-Boom’.  How did he get the nickname?

Lisa: He  got that nickname from hitting so hard.  Not once, but twice!  (laughs)

Q: Many boxers have the word ‘sugar’ in their title.  Fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Shane Mosley.  Why do you call a boxer sugar?

Lisa: Um, because when the sweat pours out of them it is like sugar?  (laughs)  That’s what happens to me when I sweat, it is like sugar.

Q: Who is the greatest boxer of all times?

Lisa: * with help: Um, Joe Louis?

Q: What does TKO stand for?

Lisa: Total,  um wait… Total  (laughs) Technical Knock Out!

Q: How high does a ref count before the fight is ended by knockout?

Lisa: Ten?

Q: What is a standing eight count?

Lisa: Uhhhhh…  When one of the boxers is dazed and confused for eight seconds?

Q: Who is the current World Heavyweight Champion right now?

Lisa: (long pause)  Uhhhmmmm…  That guy with the mean right hook?  Wait!  Wait, Kelly Pavlik?  Are you gonna help me?  Wait, I am retracting that (laughs), because he is not a heavyweight!

Q: How much do boxing gloves weigh?

Lisa: I box with twelve ouncers, but mine are pink though.

Q: What three things should every boxer do while training?

Lisa: Run?  Lift. Abs? (laughs in between each)

Q: What is shadow boxing?

Lisa: When you are looking in the mirror and you are moving around, and like you are hitting, swinging at yourself?

Q: What is a speed bag?

Lisa: It’s where you hit really, really fast.  I have a bag, you know.  It’s not a little bag though, it is one of those big ones.  (laughs)

Thanks once again Lisa, not only for being a good sport, but for also sharing your wealth of knowledge in the area of boxing!

** Both photos courtesy of Ron Stevens.

Jordan Taylor is in his first season as the General Manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.  The very quiet and reserved Taylor is someone I have gotten to know better over the past three years.  If intelligence counts for anything, he is winning big.  Probably one of the smartest minds I have met in the world of sports, Taylor has done a great job in his rookie season at the helm.  I recently spoke with him about everything from his love of professional wrestling to trusting those working around him.

Paneech: Year one, first shot at being the head honcho, how are things going so far?

Taylor: It has been going real well so far.  The team is playing well and things have been falling into place in my first year.

Paneech: You worked under Dave Smith for a few years, and those are big shoes to fill.  What kind of experience did you get as Assistant General Manager?

Taylor: Dave was here when I got hired a little over ten years ago.  I learned under him for ten seasons as I worked my way up the ranks.  It was great to learn from someone who is a real professional in this industry.  He was very good in letting me in on the runnings of the business over the last few years.  That kind of activity really prepared me for where I am now.

Paneech: What has been the biggest challenge in managing people?

Taylor: It is about being able to manage such a diverse group of people.  We currently have nine full-time people on staff, and then we bring in 30 interns and over 100 game day employees.  It is a challenge managing all of the different personalities that are brought in.  I am pretty even-tempered, so I can tolerate and handle many of the situations that arise.  It has been pretty smooth so far.

Paneech: It seems like you and the other nine full-time employees are a very close-knit group.  Describe how cohesively you all function as a unit.

Taylor: I think we have the best staff in the New York-Penn League. In terms of years of experience from the top down, most of the front office personnel have been here for a long time.  Everybody likes each other, and that is important, because this is not a normal work environment.  Over the Summers, we have spent more time with each other than we have with our families.  This becomes your family for the Summer and you get very close and care about each other.

Paneech: The season ends in September and starts back up in June, what do you do in the time in between seasons?

Taylor: It is busier in the off-season for some than it is during the season.  In September, we get the stadium ready to be shut down.  After that is done we start focusing on the next season.  We start selling season tickets, mini-plans, groups, promotions, and really getting everything moving.  It is not the same hours as we put in during the season, but we are working hard to make sure when the season eventually starts, that we are ready for everything.  People take time off in October and September.

Paneech: How has the support been from the Cleveland Indians?

Taylor:  Our relationship with the Indians has been very strong and I feel very comfortable working with them. Working with this coaching staff has also been great this season.  I couldn’t ask for a better manager than David Wallace and his coaching staff.  They make things easier for me and have been very accommodating.

Paneech: Like myself, you enjoy professional wrestling.  How do you set that kind of promotion up?

Taylor: The system is kind of two-tiered.  When we bring a wrestler in for just an autograph signing, we will go through a promoter who specializes in minor league sports and used to work for the WWE.  He recommends a group of four or five wrestlers that would be accessible to us and we pick who we think will generate the most interest.  The second phase is the actual post-game wrestling card.  It is more involved.  We work with a promotion that does events all over the country based out of Ohio.  He [promoter] has a lot of contacts of current and former stars.  He will give us a list and we offer suggestions.  In this case, Mick Foley coming this year is a real step up.  The last show had Scott Steiner, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine.  This year we were not only able to get Foley, but also Jimmy Hart and Al Snow.

Paneech: Who is your all-time favorite wrestler?

Taylor: I have two.  Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels are my all-time favorites.  Both of them are really good with cutting promos and have good matches in the ring.  I also like ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.

Paneech: What would you be doing if not this?

Taylor: The sports industry is something I wanted to get into at a very young age.  I would still be involved with sports at some capacity.  I could see myself teaching and coaching baseball or basketball.  If I wasn’t doing this, that would have been the way I would have gone.

Paneech: How tricky is it to balance family entertainment from kid-related promotions?  You go from dollar beers and Lisa Neeld to Boy Scout Night.

Taylor: We try to offer something for everybody.  The Thursday dollar beer night promotion has a younger adult demographic.  That’s great, but those who drink hang out in the picnic area and that kind of leaves the rest of the stadium for everyone else.   It keeps the crowd a little compartmentalized.  You have to remember, there are dollar tickets, pop, and hot dogs, so we can draw families to the same game.  We also have mascot nights and giveaway nights, but our biggest demo is geared toward families, parents and kids, or grandparents and grandchildren.  It is a great family atmosphere.

One Word Answers

Favorite Movie: Bull Durham.

Favorite Non-Sports Movie: Animal House.

Best Subject In College: American History.

Fast Food Order: Chipotle – Burrito with chicken rice and all of the salsas.

Favorite Meal: Dinner because even when I am here, my wife is nice enough to cook for me.

Favorite TV Show: The Office.

Favorite Music: Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.

Favorite Cartoon Character: Bart Simpson.

Player You Got Closest To: Kevin Kouzmanoff.

Biggest Phobia: Flying.

Worst Habit:  (laughs)  I can sleep a lot.

Who Is Next If You Go? Honestly?  I would be confident with about six people that are on staff right now.  I’m not ducking the question, but any number of people can take over.

“My hope is that we can continue the level of success that has been laid out here.  We want to always continue the tradition of providing the area great entertainment on and off of the field.  I am fortunate because I get to come to a baseball field to work.” –  Jordan Taylor

Lisa Neeld was on hand at Thursday’s Mahoning Valley Scrappers game to throw out the first pitch.  Neeld has been in Playboy publications more than once and is currently promoting her barbecue sauce.  I got Neeld to agree to answer some questions about the sport of baseball to test her knowledge.  Kudos to Lisa for being a good sport, and here are the results.

1. What is a double play? It’s where you get two outs at the same time, right?
2. How does a relief pitcher qualify to earn a save? Um, wow, I don’t know, he just stands on the mound and looks cute?
3. How many pitches should a good starting pitcher throw? 15.
4. What is a good batting average foe a baseball player? Three Hundred.
5. Who is the manager of the Cleveland Indians?  Manny Actin.
6. Who is the greatest home run hitter to play the game of baseball? Babe Ruth, I love the Babe.
7. What is it called when an outfielder throws the ball home and the catcher tags the runner out? An out?
8. If a man is on first and tries to steal second but gets caught, what is it called? An unlucky play.
9. Here are three types of pitches: A knucleball, a slider, and a curveball, name another:   A fastball?

Thanks again, Lisa, you could have missed them all and nobody would have noticed, but you did well!

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are gearing up for the 2010 season with the announcement of its promotional schedule.  The big highlight for me is August 7, when George “The Animal” Steele hits Eastwood Field on Wrestling Night.  Opening night is Monday, June 21 and a fireworks display will happen after that game.  Fireworks will also be shot after every Friday game (there are six).

Here is a list of special events with the dates they will take place:

• June 21 – Magnetic Schedule Night sponsored by Western Reserve Orthotics and Prosthetics.
• June 22 – Wellness Night presented by Quest Diagnostics with Prostate Awaremess and local health care vendors.
• June 23 – College Fair Night woth $1,000 scholarship giveaway presented by Kent State Trumbull Branch.
• June 24 – Twilight Vampire Night with fang giveaway and movie prize packs.
• June 25 – Faith Night featuring a pre-game concert by Chris Mowery.
• July 1 – LeBron James Rally Night featuring the Cavs Dancers and a rally towel giveaway in an effort to keep LeBron in Cleveland.
• July 3 – Adult Cap Giveaway sponsored by MVPBA Scrappers Backers.
• July 8 – Tee It Up Night which is an appreciation night for golfers.
• July 9 – Faith Night featuring a pre-game concert by Sonny Cashbaugh and a post-game talk by Travis Fryman.
• July 10 – Bark At The Park presented by Niles Veterinary Clinic.  Also, Youth Jersey Giveaway sponsored by Armstrong.
• July 11 – Indians Affiliate Day featuring an appearance from Slider.  Also, Grady Sizemore Fathead Tradeable giveaway sponsored by Subway of Niles.
• July 12 – ’85 Rewind Movies Night celebrating 25th anniversary of classic movies.
• July 13 – National French Fry Day.
• July 17 – Buffett Night with post-game concert with Fins To The Left.
• July 18 – Snoopy Appearance presented by Cedar Point with VIP Tour prizes.
• July 25 – Christmas In July with a Santa Clause appearance and Toys For Tots gift drive.  Also, Webkinz Lil’ Kinz giveaway.
• July 26 – Wine Tasting Charity Fundraiser.
• July 31 – Breast Cancer Awareness Night featuring the Susan G. Komen 5K Race For The Cure.
• August 1 – Chevrolet Cruze Night.
• August 4 – One Hit Wonders Night presented by The Nicholson Center.
• August 5 – Irish Night featuring Playboy’s Lisa Neeld.
• August 6 – Boy Scout Night with a stadium sleepover and movie.  Pre-game concertby HIS Music Connection.
• August 7 – Game Of Hope Charity Softball Game presented by Hope Foundation of Mahoning Valley.
• August 8 – Mascot Mania Night with a special appearance by Jimmy Neutron presented by Time Warner.  Also, Team Set Card giveaway night featuring Luke Holko and post-game autograph session.
• August 9 – Game Show Night.

• August 18 – Ed O’Neill Night with Polk High t-shirt giveaway, also Dare Day.
• August 19 – 80’s Night presented by Twisted Tea.
• August 20 – Girl Scout Night with a stadium sleepover and movie.
• August 24 – Rock & Roll Night.
• August 25 – The Office Night.
• August 26 – Reality TV Night.
• August 30 – $2,500 Restaurant Gift Card Giveaway Night.
• August 31 – College Football Night.
• September 3 – Negro League Tribute Night.
• September 4 – Reusable Bag giveaway sponsored by Shearer’s and The Vindicator.
• September 5 – Fan Appreciation Night with Scrapper team poster giveaway sponsored by Buckeye Online School For Success.

Rafe Hernandez, from “Days Of Our Lives“, will be signing autographs on July 31 for Ladies Night sponsored by The Circulatory Center and 21 WFMJ.

Here is a list of daily promos:

• McDonalds Mondays/ Ohio Lottery Power-Play Promotion. All fans will receive a $5.00 box seat ticket by simply showing a McDonald’s receipt for any Monday game.  Or, present any non-winning Powerball ticket and receive a General Admission ticket at half price ($3.50).
• $2 Tuesdays presented by Handel’s and Hershey’s / Kraft Singles 2-for-1 Offer. All fans will receive a general admission ticket for only $2.00.  Hot dogs, 16 oz. Pepsi products, 16 oz. draft beer, and ice cream sandwiches are also available for $2.00 each.  Bring in any Kraft Singles wrapper and receive 2 tickets for the price of one.
• Wendy’s Wednesdays / Military ID Night. Buy one, get one free box seat ticket by simply showing a receipt from Wendy’s for any Wednesday night game.  All members of the military, both current and retired, receive two free box seat tickets by showing a valid military identification card.
• Thursday Buck Night presented by Plevin and Gallucci.  All general admission tickets, hot dogs, and 12 oz. beverages are only $1.00 all night long.
• Friday Night Fireworks presented by 21 WFMJ.  Following each Friday home game, fans will be treated to a spectacular display of fireworks.
• Kids Eat Free Saturdays presented by Pizza Hut and 21 WFMJ.  Kids 12 and under will receive a free slice of pizza, chips, and soft drink for any Saturday night game.
• Sunday family fun days presented by PNC.  All fans can buy a box seat ticket for $5.00 for any Sunday night game.  Kids can enjoy face painting, sign making, and running the bases after the game.

Should be a busy Summer in Niles!  Looking forward to covering the Scrappers again this season with profiles, game summaries, editorials, interviews, and pictures.

I am excited to announce that I have been media credentialed to cover the Mahoning Valley Scrappers for their 2009 season.  Big deal you say?  Actually it is.  With the growth of my websites hits multiplying by 5 in the last two months, this type of forum is perfect for coverage of minor league baseball.

Anyone who has followed the Mahoning Valley Thunder football team on this site has learned about the players, gotten game reviews, and had inside information through my profile features.  I plan on doing Scrapper profiles as well as game summaries and can post some interviews here as well.

Victor Martinez (above) was a Scrapper.  There are several others who played for this very team now playing in the majors.  Because it is a Cleveland Indians farm club, many current Indians played for the Scrappers.  There are also plenty of others who were once in the Indians farm system and were traded or left playing in te big league as well.

Current Indians players who were once Mahoning Valley Scrappers include : Trevor Crowe, Ben Francisco, Ryan Garko, David Huff, Aaron Laffey, Jensen Lewis, Scott Lewis, Chris Gimenez, and Tony Sipp.

Players on other teams include: CC Sabathia (Yankees), Josh Bard (Nationals), Ryan Church (Mets), Chad Durbin (Phillies), Kevin Kouzmanoff (Padres), Joe Inglett and Brian Tallet (Blue Jays).

An early notable off to a hot start is Bo Greenwell, 18 year-old son of former all-star Mike Greenwell. 

The Scrappers, much like the Thunder, are a very family-friendly organization.  Although they run a dollar beer night on Thursday and have a Playmate (Lisa Neeld) in future promotions, the Scrappers really aim for quality family entertainment.

Someone on this years team will make it to the big leagues, nobody knows who…  But by attending a Scrappers game, you can say you saw them when…