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It’s been nearly a year since ownership of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders changed hands from Mandalay Baseball Properties to SWB Investors LLC.
That time has seen many changes and events happen in and around the organization and the community, something that hasn’t happened in the area in quite some time.
The investors led by co-managing owners David Abrams, David Blitzer, Grant Cagle and Michael Hisler have started a resurgence of the franchise that began when the closing of the sale occurred in September of last year.
Player appearances by current and former Yankees have highlighted the numerous events held by the new ownership group, including former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who will be heading to the area on Sept. 3. That was just announced at a press conference last week.
Also proclaimed at the conference, held on the concourse of PNC Field, was more changes coming to better the community and the organization with the announcement of ticket prices decreasing, a look to the past upcoming with a new logo and a recognition of NEPA baseball past.
All of this probably would not have occurred if not for the new ownership group, which shares the ownership with the New York Yankees. The new ownership group also has plenty of ties to the Yankees organization, which is one of the reasons for the player appearances of Rivera, Mark Teixeira and the Legends Game, which was held last month.
“One of our initiatives from Day 1 is that we’re proud to be a part of this organization; it’s an honor,” Cagle said. “And when you see the reception that we get when we have players here, and that our fans support us it’s been just unbelievable. It’s something that we look forward to. It’s fun for us, as well as for our fan base and we’re proud to build that relationship as much as possible and want to continue over the years.”
Abrams was very adamant stating that the previous ownership was stubborn when it came to several matters surrounding the SWB franchise. It’s something that he hopes to change. He even made a declaration that if any fan wants to see a RailRiders game, tickets will be distributed under one condition:
“When you come and you have a good time, you promise to come back and support us,” he said. “And you can write this down or put it on TV, my phone number is 917-250-9776. My email address is [email protected]. Call me or email me and we will make good on our pledges. And remember, PNC Field, RailRiders and baseball and SWB, it’s the place to be.”
Abrams has been the most recognizable face of the ownership group making appearances at spring training, event a spot on the YES Network during a Yankees spring training broadcast. He also spent time at the Triple-A All-Star Game in Omaha earlier this month, and can be seen on the field prior to RailRiders games.
“It’s probably been the most enjoyable time of my life. Being involved with everything with the team and the people have been very welcoming,” he said. “My biggest enjoyment is gameday and seeing people have a good time. I get a chance to talk to the fans, get their feedback on everything. I just wish we had more games, there’s only (20) games left (at home).”
The biggest thrill for the longtime Yankees fan is working with organizational prospects on a daily basis and getting a chance to see them up close and personal.
“I grew up as a longtime, die-hard Yankee fan so being in the organization for me is phenomenal,” he added. “But I love baseball and I also enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves. What better way to do that then seeing smiling faces because of the effort you put in in the park?”
There have been many smiling faces this season as there have been two sell-outs in 2015, marking the total from last season. In addition, Abrams said he has received countless emails and handwritten letters from fans being gracious for the changes the ownership group has made. But it’s not just him or the other three co-managing owners, there are a total of 21 people from the area who are co-owners that have all contributed.
“I think that is just the common theme in the community, which is people recognize there is a change,” Abrams said. “The fact that we have 21 people who live in the area who are part owners of the team. The fact that we are bringing all of our relationships so that the community can benefit.”
People and fans have noticed the changes during the new ownership. And if the first 10-plus months of the reign is any indication of what’s to come for area baseball fans, enthusiasts of the sport will be in for a treat for the foreseeable and distant future.