RAILRIDERS NOTES OF INTEREST

March 1, 2018

Leading Off:  The 2018 season opens in 36 days at PNC Field.  The RailRiders will host Syracuse and their Turnpike rivals, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, during a six-game homestand to start the season.  This year, Triple-A baseball has converted to a 140-game schedule, matching all other full season levels across Minor League Baseball.  The schedule features 70 home games and 70 on the road.

Thrown A Curve:  The RailRiders will have a new manager, hitting coach and defensive coach in 2018, but will see the return of its pitching coach and bullpen coach.  Bobby Mitchell will manage Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year.  Mitchell has managed the Yankees Double-A team in Trenton, NJ, for the last few years and holds a career record of 609-508. Phil Plantier recently joined the Yankees organization and will be the RailRiders hitting coach, while Travis Chapman will be the team’s new defensive coach.  Tommy Phelps is back to lead the pitching staff, as is Doug Davis, who will serve as the team’s bullpen coach.

Legging It Out:  The RailRiders are partnering with Cigna for the Fit Track Program. Fit Track is a health and wellness school program available for children in kindergarten through eighth grade through their schools.  Additionally, the Fit Track program allows schools the opportunity to conduct a fundraiser for their school using RailRiders tickets. 

Batting Clean-up: On Tuesday, February 27, Steiner Sports Marketing was announced as the RailRiders new Official Memorabilia Company.  This multi-year agreement will provide fans the opportunity to buy or bid via auction on unique experiences and one-of-a-kind memorabilia.  Steiner Sports Marketing will also assist the club with talent acquisition for the Legends Series at PNC Field, featuring appearances and autograph sessions. 

Hot Corner:  The RailRiders will be partnering with WNEP-TV and the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center  for this year’s “Meet the RailRiders” event on April 4.  Tickets are $55 for adults and $30 for children 12 and younger.  There will be an autograph session and dinner beginning at 5 p.m. in the Hilton’s Casey Grand Ballroom.  From 7- 8 p.m., WNEP-TV will go live at the Hilton Scranton with interviews and features.

Six Spot:  Though Spring Training is underway in Florida and Arizona, the initial 2018 RailRiders roster remains a bit of a mystery.  Positional battles at the Major League level as well as off-season improvement by several players will determine the complexion of the initial 2018 RailRiders roster.

Stretch Time:  Plans are in place to unveil the Wall of Hope on Opening Day, April 6, at PNC Field.  During the 2017 Triple-A National Championship Game last September, SWB Pinstripes Foundation partnered with Stand Up To Cancer, raising over $200,000.  To commemorate this achievement, the special bricks purchased that night, engraved with messages of hope of remembrance,  are being honored as a new fixture at PNC Field. 

Centerfield:  The Adopt-a-Field program has been renewed for 2018, thanks to Northeast Prestige Landscaping.  One local field will receive a professional consultation and renovation this year courtesy of the program. Applications are due by March 30 to Jordan Maydole, the Director of Community Relations for the RailRiders.

Walk-off Winners: 2018 Season tickets will be available for pick-up on March 8 beginning at  6 p.m. Single game tickets go on sale Saturday, March 17, at 10 a.m., both online at swbrailriders.com as well as at PNC Field.