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Scrappers stay consistent in an inconsistent world

Twenty-six years ago this month, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers made their area debut. For a Niles native and a longtime Cleveland baseball fanatic, having an Indians minor league affiliate within two miles from home was a dream come true. Walking into what was then Cafaro Field for the first time in 1999 was truly a […]

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Scrappers stay consistent in an inconsistent world

Twenty-six years ago this month, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers made their area debut. For a Niles native and a longtime Cleveland baseball fanatic, having an Indians minor league affiliate within two miles from home was a dream come true.

Walking into what was then Cafaro Field for the first time in 1999 was truly a memorable Opening Day experience. Everything about the stadium was shiny and new. The field was perfectly manicured, the grass was vibrantly green.

There was a buzz in the air, the type which is usually reserved for major sporting events.

Minor league baseball had arrived in the Mahoning Valley, and it was a major league experience for the 6,718 fans who packed the stadium.

Fans at minor league games are generally laid back, not heavily invested in the particular outcome of any given game. Yet on this night – and over the course of the entire 1999 season for that matter – there was a vibe which felt more like a high school football Friday night in The Valley.

The Scrappers responded with an 8-5 Opening Day win, and they would go on to finish the season with a 43-33 record, winning a division title. Area residents responded in record fashion. A total of 203,073 fans poured into Cafaro Field in the summer of ’99, an average of 5,344 fans per night.

A lot has happened over the course of the past 26 years. As advertised, local baseball fans have been given the opportunity to see tomorrow’s stars today. Well over 100 former Scrappers have gone on to play in the Major Leagues. The Scrappers won a New York-Penn League title in 2004, and six division titles through 2019.

Former Scrapper C.C. Sabathia was recently elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and will be inducted next month.

Aside from the game itself, the entertainment and the quirks associated with minor league baseball have been prevalent. The Scrappers gained national attention in 2002 when they held Jim Traficant Night. Eight years later there was statewide coverage of LeBronfire Night – a public burning of LeBron James jerseys after James left Cleveland for Miami.

Other unusual promotions over the years have included everything from a hairiest back contest to a funeral giveaway.

On Labor Day 2003 the Scrappers were part of the first-known smokeout in professional baseball history thanks to a fireworks show gone wrong.

Oddly enough, 2023 saw a pair of Scrappers games canceled due poor air quality as a result of the Canadian wildfires.

I’m ashamed to admit that I still laugh everytime I see the 1999 video of the Scrappers’ ground crew losing a battle with Mother Nature. The result was a tarp sailing away like a kite, nearly clearing the stadium.

Much has changed over the past 26 years, most notably the Scrappers’ exit from the New York-Penn League in 2019 when the MLB eliminated 43 of its minor league franchises. The entire 2020 season was wiped out due to COVID, then the Scrappers returned in 2021 as a member of the MLB Draft League.

Once an Indians affiliate, the Scrappers are now a mix of a showcase league, a summer amateur league and part-time professional baseball. Rosters, which prior to 2020 were quite stable throughout the summer, now change on a somewhat regular basis.

Yet despite the many changes, stability reigns supreme at Eastwood Field.

The Scrappers’ front office includes general manager Heather Sahli, who has been with the organization for 20 years. Former GM Jordan Taylor, now Vice President of HWS Baseball, is entering his 24th season with the franchise. Assistant GMs Matt Thompson and Brad Hooser have a combined 40 years of service with the Scrappers.

Such front office stability is extremely rare in minor league sports.

It says something about the ownership’s commitment to the organization and to the community.

Through all the uncertainty and change between 2019 and 2021, the franchise was able to maintain its strong presence as a top affordable summer option for family entertainment in the Mahoning Valley. The post-game fireworks shows, the bobblehead giveaways, the Buck Nights and other promotions that were around in 1999 are still Eastwood Field staples in 2025.

Celebrating the Fourth of July at Eastwood Field has become a tradition for many area families. Discounted and even free tickets are available nearly every night of the week.

The Scrappers are living proof that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Tonight, the gates of Eastwood Field will open for a 26th season of Scrappers baseball. While the magic of 1999 may never be duplicated, the magic of Opening Day never gets old. That’s especially when old traditions, familiar faces and fresh, new ideas combine to bring a little of that ’99 vibe into the summer of 2025.

Play ball!

See you at the ballpark!

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How Nofar Method Is Transforming Pilates

In a world where fitness is as much about lifestyle as it is about movement, Nofar Hagag has created an elevated experience that feels as chic and transformative as the cities she calls home. With her acclaimed Nofar Method studios in New York and Miami, the internationally recognized fitness expert has redefined Pilates for a […]

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In a world where fitness is as much about lifestyle as it is about movement, Nofar Hagag has created an elevated experience that feels as chic and transformative as the cities she calls home. With her acclaimed Nofar Method studios in New York and Miami, the internationally recognized fitness expert has redefined Pilates for a discerning clientele who crave results and refinement in equal measure.

From New York to Miami: How Nofar Method Is Transforming Pilates
Nofar Hagag

Photo Credit: Courtesy

Karlie Kloss, Emily Ratajkowski, and Brooke Shields are just a few of the names who have gravitated to Hagag’s signature method. It is a practice designed to challenge the body and awaken the mind through precision, athleticism, and mindfulness. At its core, the Nofar Method empowers clients to unlock their full potential and carry that sense of confidence and strength far beyond the studio.

Hagag’s journey began in Petah Tikva, Israel, where she excelled as a competitive water polo player. Her athletic discipline earned her a place on Israel’s National Water Polo team and later led her to serve as a fitness instructor in the Israel Defense Forces. It was there that she earned her Pilates certification at the Wingate Institute, an Olympic training facility that set the tone for her pursuit of excellence.

From New York to Miami: How Nofar Method Is Transforming PilatesPhoto Credit: Courtesy

In 2008, she moved to New York City as a Division I student athlete playing water polo while studying pre-med and psychology. Teaching Pilates began as a way to support herself through school but quickly evolved into a calling. Over the next decade, she developed the Nofar Method, an advanced full-body approach that blends classical Pilates with strength training, cardio, and dynamic choreography.

Her Flatiron and Tribeca studios became coveted destinations for clients seeking precision, intensity and transformation. In Miami Beach, her studio offers the same commitment to excellence infused with the vibrant energy of South Florida’s wellness-focused lifestyle.

“Our Miami clients want more than just a workout,” Hagag says. “They want to feel stronger, more confident and supported in every way. The energy here complements what we built in New York and inspires me every day.”

The Nofar Method reimagines Pilates equipment in innovative ways delivering transformative results for all body types with a focus on safety and body awareness. It is a practice designed to sculpt physiques and create a mindset shift that extends well beyond the walls of the studio.

For Hagag, it is about more than movement. “It is about how you carry yourself after class,” she reflects. “It is about resilience, presence, and embracing your own power.”

From New York to Miami: How Nofar Method Is Transforming PilatesPhoto Credit: Courtesy

Splitting her time between New York and Miami, Hagag remains deeply connected to her clients, teaching classes and inspiring her team of instructors to carry forward her vision. Both cities reflect the duality of her method through New York’s grit and intensity and Miami’s vibrancy and flow. Together, they form the perfect backdrop for a practice that is redefining what it means to transform both body and mind.





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Fitzgerald finds his stride at St. Olaf

Story Links When Ignatius Fitzgerald ’26 arrived at St. Olaf College, he wasn’t just looking for a place to run — he was searching for the right team.   Coming out of high school as the Montana state champion in the 800-meter run and 1,600-meter run, Fitzgerald began his collegiate career at […]

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When Ignatius Fitzgerald ’26 arrived at St. Olaf College, he wasn’t just looking for a place to run — he was searching for the right team.
 
Coming out of high school as the Montana state champion in the 800-meter run and 1,600-meter run, Fitzgerald began his collegiate career at the University of Oregon on an athletic scholarship for cross country and track. But after a year and a half, he realized the program wasn’t the right fit for him.
 
“I didn’t love Eugene,” Fitzgerald says. “I wasn’t as into the academics, and I didn’t really fit in there super well. It just wasn’t the place for me.”
 
So, he moved back home to Missoula, took classes part-time at the University of Montana, and took a step back from running to consider his next steps. During that year of reflection, a high school friend encouraged Fitzgerald to visit him at St. Olaf. He came for a long weekend, staying in campus housing, attending classes, and tagging along for cross county practice.
 
Something clicked.
 
“Right when I got on campus and met the team, I was like, this feels like a much better fit,” Fitzgerald says.
 
Now a history and quantitative economics major and one of the top ranked steeplechasers in Division III, Fitzgerald has found not just success on the track, but a holistic rhythm that suits him.

“My relationship with running has shifted,” he says. “It’s something I do, but not the only thing I do — and I really enjoy that. The way our team is structured really supports that kind of balance, there’s a system in place — go to practice, go to dinner, go to the library.”

 

He credits much of that balance to the environment cultivated by Head Men’s Track and Field and Cross Country Coach Brian Power.

 

“Coach Power has been a really positive influence on me,” Fitzgerald says. “He’s helped me learn how to be competitive, but also not to take myself too seriously. It’s about having fun and focusing on the team.”

 

Power, in turn, recognized early on that Fitzgerald was not just a strong runner, but a thoughtful and mature presence.

 

“It was apparent [Fitzgerald] wanted to find somewhere that allowed him to grow as a person and connect with the community, while being given the space to grow as a runner,” Power says. “I really feel like Iggy has found his home at St. Olaf. He’s connected across campus in many ways, and he’s a frequent fixture at St. Olaf sporting events. He’ll be a track & field team captain this year due to his ability to connect with athletes across different event groups and the respect he has earned from his teammates.”

 

Fitzgerald’s not only active on the field — he’s involved with several different organizations and activities at St. Olaf. He leads trips with the outdoor recreation program (STORP), and works at the rock-climbing gym, where he also TAs for the college’s rock climbing course. This summer he will be in Turkey, assisting Professor of History Tim Howe with an archeological dig of a first-century Roman city.

 

As for what he does in his limited downtime, Fitzgerald says he spends the majority of it with his teammates.

 

“Forty of my best friends are on this team, which makes it really easy and fun,” he says. “You want to go to practice when you know everyone there is really wanting you to do your best in every way and knows who you are as an individual — not just who you are on the field. It just works.”

 

That team culture also fuels the Oles’ competitive success. This past fall, the St. Olaf men’s cross country team won the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference [MIAC] Championship on their home course.

 

“Cross country scores like golf — you want the fewest points possible — and we scored with the lowest point count that has ever been recorded in a MIAC meet,” he says. “It was such a blast.”

 

Turning to Fitzgerald’s personal achievements, he placed ninth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships to earn Second Team All-America honors, set a program record (8:52.30), and ran the eighth-fastest steeplechase time in the nation this past year.

 

But he’s quick to deflect the hype.

 

“We don’t treat running like a business here,” he says. “At the end of the day, if you race well or poorly, no one really cares about your time. It’s all about what you are getting out of it. That kind of environment makes all the difference.”

 

Looking ahead, Fitzgerald plans to pursue a master’s in education and become a high school history teacher, ideally back in Montana. But for now, he’s soaking up all St. Olaf has to offer.

 

“When I think about being an Ole, I think about the closeness of this community,” he says. “Even though people are here for different reasons, whether that be music, athletics, or academics, we’re all on the Hill together. That creates something really special.”



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Parks & Recreation reschedules Volleyball Camp | Sports

Warren County Parks & Recreation has rescheduled its Girls’ Volleyball Camp for ages 8-15. The camp will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 4, 6-7, 11, 13-14 at the John Graham Gymnasium, located at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton. Registration is still open, but spaces are limited. Register in person at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton […]

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Warren County Parks & Recreation has rescheduled its Girls’ Volleyball Camp for ages 8-15.

The camp will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 4, 6-7, 11, 13-14 at the John Graham Gymnasium, located at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton.

Registration is still open, but spaces are limited. Register in person at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton on online at https://warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation.

For more information, call 252-252-2272 or email parksandrecreation@warrencountync.gov.



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Streaming vs. Broadcast: Study Finds That 40% of Sports Fans Go Digital-Only

As live sports continue to migrate from cable boxes to smartphones and smart TVs, streaming providers face a complex yet exciting set of challenges and opportunities. Parks Associates, in partnership with InterDigital, dives deep into this shifting landscape in their new report, Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity. Research from the study gives depth […]

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As live sports continue to migrate from cable boxes to smartphones and smart TVs, streaming providers face a complex yet exciting set of challenges and opportunities. Parks Associates, in partnership with InterDigital, dives deep into this shifting landscape in their new report, Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity.

Research from the study gives depth and insight into the good, bad, and glitchy aspects of sports streaming in 2025, and how the live sports-streaming landscape is experiencing a seismic shift.

According to the new research, 43% of U.S. internet households identify as “Sports Viewers,” and 40% of them now watch games exclusively via streaming services. As traditional broadcast models give way to direct-to-consumer (D2C) offerings, the live sports streaming market has never been more vibrant or more challenging.

Other Key Streaming Sports Statistics

  • High household penetration: 89% of U.S. internet households subscribe to at least one subscription-based streaming platform.
  • D2C growth: 33% of U.S. internet homes have added a sports-specific D2C service such as NFL+, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, Willow, or F1 TV.
  • Heavy spenders: D2C sports subscribers shell out an average of $111 per month on all streaming subscriptions, making them the most valuable segment in the ecosystem.

“As traditional pay-TV services continue to shed subscribers, the economics of sports broadcasting are changing. Streaming creates new revenue opportunities for both sports leagues and streaming services,” said Michael Goodman, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates.

Live sports streaming continues to be a gold mine for providers who can deliver reliability, flexibility, and high-quality content. By tackling bandwidth, latency, and scalability head-on, the next generation of sports fans will enjoy seamless access to their favorite teams, wherever and whenever the game is on.

You find full InterDigital and Parks Research report: Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity here.



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Commodore Alumna Recognized for Leadership

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt cross country and track and field alumna and current UMass Boston Vice Chancellor of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Jacqueline Schuman was named a recipient of the 2025 Women Leaders in Sports Nike Executive of the Year Award, the organization announced Thursday. The first permanent female athletic director in UMass Boston history, […]

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt cross country and track and field alumna and current UMass Boston Vice Chancellor of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Jacqueline Schuman was named a recipient of the 2025 Women Leaders in Sports Nike Executive of the Year Award, the organization announced Thursday.

The first permanent female athletic director in UMass Boston history, Schuman was recognized for her contributions to the advancement of women in sports leadership.

Under her direction, UMass Boston created “Advancing the Legacy of Excellence,” the athletic department’s strategic plan built in alignment with the university’s For The Times strategic plan and priorities. Additionally, Schuman’s efforts helped to establish the Mac Singleton Fund, an endowment to support the advancement of women’s athletics, and add two women’s sports—lacrosse and field hockey—in addition to other department-wide accomplishments.

While a cross country and track and field student-athlete, Schuman earned her bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development from Vanderbilt in 1999. After earning her master’s in exercise and sport sciences from the University of North Carolina, she received her doctorate in leadership and learning in organizations from Vanderbilt in 2021.

Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee, a student-athlete at the same time as Schuman, was named the 2024 Women Leaders in Sports Nike Division I FBS Executive of the Year.





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UW Volleyball picked to finish third in Big Ten

Wisconsin Badgers middle blocker Carter Booth (Photo by Dexter Patterson) The Wisconsin volleyball team has been picked to finish third in the 2025 Big Ten Volleyball Preseason Poll, announced by the Big Ten Thursday afternoon. Seniors Carter Booth and Mimi Colyer, and sophomore Charlie Fuerbringer were also named to the Big Ten Volleyball Preseason All-Conference […]

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UW Volleyball picked to finish third in Big Ten
Wisconsin Badgers middle blocker Carter Booth (Photo by Dexter Patterson)