Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders to Partner with the County of Lackawanna Transit System The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to partner with COLTS, the County of Lackawanna Transit System, to help provide a new option for fans attending games at PNC Field this season. COLTS will now offer service from five locations to PNC Field.Three trips to and from the following stops will run Tuesday through Saturday, both before and after the game COLTS will run service from the Transit Station, the DeNaples Center at the University of Scranton, Moosic at South Webster, Valley View and Hill Top. Service will leave PNC Field at three different times nightly with return stops at each location.“COLTS considers transit to be an essential part of our community and its success,” stated Timothy McGrath, Executive Director for the County of Lackawanna Transit System. “Whether you are going to school, healthcare or work, we are here to get you there safely. Our mission is to enhance mobility for all citizens of Lackawanna County by offering affordable, reliable and safe transportation. Everyone should have the opportunity to get to where they need to, and we are honored to expand our service to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The Game Day Express should be a home run, and we hope you enjoy the game with COLTS!”First pitch for games on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is at 6:35 P.M. Saturday games begin at 6:05 P.M.“We are thrilled to partner with COLTS to provide this new transportation option to PNC Field,” said Katie Beekman, the General Manager of the RailRiders. “The ballpark has been a part of the fabric of our community for decades and we are truly excited for the new option to assist all fans wanting to attend games.”Scranton/Wilkes-Barre begins the second half of the 2024 season this evening at PNC Field. The RailRiders host the Worcester Red Sox starting at 6:35 P.M. tonight. For tickets or upcoming promotional information, visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
PNC Field to Benefit from Substantial Renovation Project Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin, and the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority, together with the New York Yankees and Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the owner of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, today announced a significant renovation project to take place at PNC Field, aimed at elevating the player and fan experience at the Triple-A Yankees facility and preserving the ongoing presence of affiliated professional baseball at its highest level in Northeast Pennsylvania. PNC Field, home of the RailRiders, is owned by the stadium authority and leased by the RailRiders. “The renovation of PNC Field and its facilities deepens the roots we have in Lackawanna County and reflects the standard of excellence that we strive for,” said Brian Cashman, New York Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager. “The community has offered outstanding support to us over the years and knowing that we can further the development of our players in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is a tremendous outcome for everyone involved. On behalf of the entire Yankees organization, we thank the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority for its commitment in creating an environment that will facilitate long-term success for both the team and its fans.” “The renovation of PNC Field and its facilities deepens the roots we have in Lackawanna County and reflects the standard of excellence that we strive for,” said Brian Cashman, New York Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager. “The community has offered outstanding support to us over the years and knowing that we can further the development of our players in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is a tremendous outcome for everyone involved. On behalf of the entire Yankees organization, we thank the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority for its commitment in creating an environment that will facilitate long-term success for both the team and its fans.” The $13.5 million project announced today will ensure that the stadium complies with standards mandated by Major League Baseball (MLB) for all Minor League clubs, as part of its Professional Development League (PDL) model. PDL compliance requires clubs to offer modernized facilities suited to professional athletes, and improved amenities and working conditions for players and staff, among others. These standards are designed to better serve fans, players and clubs, and position the sport for future growth. As it stands, PNC Field currently falls short of PDL compliance, and funding will go towards both essential improvements, such as security, female staff facilities, clubhouse commissaries, training and locker rooms, laundry facilities, batting tunnels, bullpens, high-speed internet, field drainage and lighting, as well as improvements to the fan experience, such as video boards, hospitality areas, seating and more. The baseball industry has changed dramatically since the stadium was constructed more than 30 years ago, and even since it was largely reconstructed more than a decade ago. One of the most positive changes has been the rise of women in important roles,including as umpires, trainers, executives, and staff. An important part of the renovation project is the addition of separate, modern facilities for female umpires, trainers, and staff, as required by the new PDL standards. To fund the project, the authority has secured an $8.5 million loan, in the form of a bond issue, through PNC Bank. The authority will hold $1.5 million of that money in a reserve fund. It has applied to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for a $6.5 million grant under the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program. To help cover the annual $1.2 million debt payment, the commissioners will authorize the authority’s continued use of 60% of the proceeds from the county’s hotel occupancy tax. That will cover about $600,000. The remaining $600,000 will come from the RailRiders’ annual lease payment to the authority. The county’s commitment of hotel occupancy tax funds is not a loan guarantee, and no other county funds will be used for the project. “We commend the stadium authority board, its architects and financial consultants for devising a plan that is comprehensive in exceeding the new Major League Baseball requirements, yet affordable. Because of that good work, we look forward to many more years of exciting RailRiders baseball at soon-to-be state-of-the-art PNC Field,” the commissioners said. “We are unequivocally committed to safeguarding the RailRiders’ future as a cornerstone of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community and are grateful to Lackawanna County for its partnership in ensuring PNC Field achieves PDL compliance,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of DBH, respectively. “As the highest level of Minor League baseball, we look to the RailRiders and PNC Field as the standard for which all other MiLB clubs should be measured against. We are confident that with the proposed renovations and upgrades, the Yankees Triple-A affiliate can look forward to continuing to play in one of the best ballparks in the country.” Attorney Frank Tunis, stadium authority solicitor, said the project is scheduled to begin Sept. 15, after the end of the International League season, and to be completed by Opening Day of the 2025 season.
SWB RailRiders to Host 90s Night Featuring C & C Music Factory EVERYBODY DANCE NOW! The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are thrilled to announce that C & C Music Factory will make a guest appearance at 90s Night on June 22 at PNC Field! The RailRiders host the Buffalo Bisons with a 6:05 P.M. first pitch. Gates open at 5 with a plush CHAMP beanie baby-styled giveaway for the first 2,000 fans. The RailRiders will wear custom jerseys to be auctioned off benefitting the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. During the game, C & C Music Factory will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Freedom Williams joined the group in 1989 and carries on their legacy to date. After the final out, stick around for our Post-Game 90s Dance Party featuring C & C Music Factory! DJ Hersh will spin all the best jams from the 1990s on the Geisinger Plaza at the main entrance of PNC Field. C & C Music Factory’s 1990 debut album “Gonna Make You Sweat” is certified five-times Platinum and featured the iconic smash-hit title track as well as top-ten hits like “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll)” and “Things That Make You Go Hmmm…” The ensemble group had seven number one hits on the US Dance charts and “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” was included as a top-ten track in VH1’s “100 Greatest Dance Songs.” Updated 2024 Appearance Schedule June 22- C & C Music Factory June 29- Leslie David Baker aka “Stanley Hudson” from The Office July 24- Amazing Tyler’s Balancing Act August 17- Chauncey Leopardi aka “Squints” from The Sandlot August 30- Black Panther on Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night To purchase tickets or for more information, call (570) 969-BALL or visit www.swbrailriders.com.
SWB Railriders’ Clayton Beeter Named International League Pitcher of the Week Minor League Baseball has announced the weekly awards for April 8-14 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre right-hander Clayton Beeter was honored as the Pitcher of the Week.Beeter allowed one hit and struck out eight batters over five shutout innings in the RailRiders 3-0 win at Norfolk on Saturday, April 13.Beeter made his Major League debut on March 29, throwing three pitches in one scoreless relief inning against the Houston Astros. In three starts for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, the Fort Worth native has surrendered three hits total, struck out 13, walked five and has yet to allow a run. The 25-year-old was acquired by the New York Yankees in August of 2022 in the Joey Gallo trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his Triple-A debut last season, going 3-5 with a 4.94 ERA over 15 games, including 14 starts.Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s second homestand of the season begins on Tuesday night against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at PNC Field. The RailRiders are riding a seven-game winning streak and are in first place in the International League heading into play in the opener. For tickets or promotional information, visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Offers Discount to College & Military Fans The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced two special offers for the upcoming 2024 season. An upgraded College Rush ticket offer has returned for students and the club has also updated its offer for active or retired members of the military. College Rush The RailRiders College Rush ticket offer has been improved for 2024. College students can get $10 bleacher seats for any home game at PNC Field this season. Tickets can be purchased using the student’s valid .edu email address on the RailRiders website, limited to two tickets per transaction. Military Discount Active or retired members of the military will receive $2 off tickets purchased at the RailRiders Box Office at PNC Field when they show a valid identification card. The offer is good for up to four tickets per person for all games this season. Please note that these offers are valid for every game of the 2024 season with the exception of July 4.
RailRiders Set 2024 Ballpark Policies and Safety Enhancements The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have set their ballpark policies and safety guidelines for the 2024 season. The RailRiders will host 75 games at PNC Field this season, beginning on April 2 against the Syracuse Mets. “Fan safety is thoroughly important to providing a great experience at PNC Field,” stated Katie Beekman, the RailRiders General Manager. “We want everyone who comes to the ballpark to enjoy their time here and our policies are in place to help do our best to fulfill that goal. Fans in the stands must still be attentive at all times and these measures will provide security while also not distracting or detracting from the enjoyment of the game.” Key policies and updates are listed below. Additional policies and regulations are in place for the 2024 season. Please visit the Ballpark Rules section at swbrailriders.com for a complete list and more information. BAG POLICY Bags measuring 16 inches by nine inches by seven inches are permitted at PNC Field but are subject to a security check. Clear bags will be permitted at PNC Field in 2024, including clear backpacks. Fans may bring also medical bags and diaper bags of any size into the ballpark this season. CASHLESS POINTS OF SALE PNC Field will once again be a fully cashless facility in 2024. This includes all aspects of operation at the ballpark, including parking, ticketing, the SWB Team Store and the concession stands and bars. PNC Field will accept credit and debit cards. Concessions and merchandise stands also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay. Gift Cards can be purchased with cash or credit at the SWB Team Store and can be used within the store or at concession stands and portables around the ballpark. ENTRY & EXIT/ TICKETING RailRiders tickets are digital. Digital tickets must be shown to ballpark personnel upon request. Anyone who does not have a valid ticket will be removed from PNC Field immediately. A ticket grants access to public areas of PNC Field.Children aged two and under do not need a ticket Ballpark re-entry is permitted. PNC Field closes to the public 30 minutes after the final out, pending fireworks or special events after the game concludes. FAN CONDUCT Anyone using obscene language or engaging in conduct offensive to those around them will be asked by SWB RailRiders personnel to cease the conduct. If the problem persists, appropriate action will be taken, including but not limited to removal from the ballpark and fines. Anyone drinking alcohol under the legal age, using illegal drugs, or breaking any other laws will be subject to immediate removal from PNC Field and will be reported to proper authorities. Any guest perceived to be in an intoxicated or impaired state may be denied admission. Season Ticket Members will be held responsible for inappropriate conduct by individuals using their tickets. NETTING ENHANCEMENTS The RailRiders are installing expanded netting for the 2024 season. This expansion will replace the current protective netting and will enhance safety from foul pole to foul pole. All Minor League Baseball teams must be in compliance with this initiative set by Major League Baseball by the start of the 2025 season and the RailRiders have worked to have this infrastructure upgrade in place for the start of the new season. PARKING & TAILGATING PNC Field parking lots open two hours prior to first pitch and General Parking is $7 per vehicle in 2024. No vehicles are allowed to remain in PNC Field parking lot grounds overnight. Those vehicles will be subject to towing at the vehicle owner’s expense. Tailgating is allowed only in designated areas of the PNC Field parking lot. Only one parking space per vehicle is allowed. PET POLICY No pets will be allowed entry into PNC Field, except service animals and during specific events that have been designated as pet-friendly by SWB RailRiders management. On designated pet-friendly nights, pet owners must sign a waiver and are subject to seating restrictions. SMOKING POLICY PNC Field is a smoke-free facility. Designated smoking areas are available in three spots around PNC Field by exit points. Vaping is not permitted at PNC Field, except in designated smoking areas. Opening Day is March 29 in Buffalo and the home schedule starts Tuesday, April 2, at 6:35 P.M. Season tickets, mini plans and the flex plan are all available now. For more information on any of these policies or to purchase tickets for the 2024 season, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.
RailRiders Release 2024 Field Staff The New York Yankees have announced the field staff for each of their minor league affiliates and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to welcome Manager Shelley Duncan back to the dugout in 2024. Duncan will see the majority of his 2023 staff return, including Pitching Coach Graham Johnson, Hitting Coach Trevor Amicone, Defensive Coach José Javier and Athletic Trainer Jimmy Downam.Gerardo Casadiego joins the field staff as the Bullpen Coach while Danny Smith will be the club’s Strength & Conditioning Coach in 2024. Nori Subero has been added to the roster as the Assistant Athletic Trainer and Steven DiMaria is the new Advance Scouting Analyst.Jim Billington and Sullivan Lyons return to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the same roles they held last season. Billington is the RailRiders’ Home Clubhouse Manager and Lyons is the Video Assistant.Duncan, 44, was tabbed as the 20th manager in franchise history in January 2023 and led the team to a 73-75 mark last season. He was drafted by the Yankees in 2001; a second-round selection out of the University of Arizona. He reached Triple-A with Columbus in 2006 and spent portions of three seasons in an SWB Yankees uniform. Duncan appeared in 272 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre between 2007 and 2009. In 2009, he hit .277 with 30 home runs and 99 runs batted in over 123 games, garnering the nod for International League MVP. His Major League career spanned 330 games for the Yankees, Cleveland and Tampa Bay over seven years.“Going into my second season with essentially the same staff is extremely exciting,” Duncan said. “We get to start this season with solid chemistry already in place. We know each other and that learning period won’t be there. It’s a great group and I’m excited to get to work.”Johnson, 38, has served as the RailRiders Pitching Coach for the last two seasons, posting top-five I.L. finishes in ERA and strikeouts in both years. Before joining the Yankees organization in 2022, he served as a minor league pitching coach in the Houston Astros system. Johnson played at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO, before becoming a graduate assistant at Lindenwood University, completing his Master’s of Education with an emphasis in strength and conditioning degree in 2010. After a stint with Western Illinois University, he joined the staff at Morehead State. Johnson was the pitching coach for the Eagles from 2012-17 and also served as an assistant head coach, overseeing field maintenance and the academic development of all student-athletes involved in the baseball program. Amicone, 36, also returns to the role he has held for the last two seasons with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The RailRiders hit a franchise-record 219 home runs last season, surpassing the previous mark of 2012 set in 2019. Amicone joined the Yankees organization in 2020 The Sandy, Utah, native has served as an assistant coach and camp coordinator for the Dixie State baseball program as well as the head baseball coach at Woods Cross High School in Utah. He has also worked privately with hitters at the professional, college, high school and youth levels.Javier, 31, will once again serve as the Defensive Coach for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was initially signed by New York as a non-drafted free agent in 2010 and played six seasons in the Yankees’ minor league system. 2024 marks the eighth season for Javier as a coach in the organization, having spent time at each level, including serving in the same role for the RailRiders last year.Casadiego, 43, enters his 12th year within the Yankees organization. After playing 10 seasons in Minor League Baseball, including parts of two seasons at the lower levels for New York, Casadiego moved to the coaching ranks in 2014. In 2021, he served as the pitching coach for the Hudson Valley Renegades and spent 2022 in the same role with the Tampa Tarpons. His pitching staff finished second in strikeouts in their respective leagues the last two seasons.Downam, 37, returns for a third season as the athletic trainer for New York’s top affiliate and his 12th year within the organization. He joined the Yankees in 2013 as the trainer for Staten Island and also spent three seasons with Charleston from 2014 through 2016. Downam spent five seasons as New York’s Double-A trainer between time in Trenton and Somerset. He attended Liberty University, where he received his B.S. in Athletic Training in 2009 and an M.S. in Sports Administration in 2012.Smith, 31, joined the Yankees organization in 2017 and has advanced through the ranks. He spent 2017 with Pulaski in the Appalachian League and moved to Staten Island for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. After spending two years with Hudson Valley, including 2021 when he was named the South Atlantic League’s Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, Smith was promoted to Somerset in 2023. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a B.S. in Sports Medicine in 2014 and earned his M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science at Gannon University in 2015, where he served as a Graduate Assistant. Subero, 28, enters her third season with the Yankees organization. She is a graduate of the University of Miami with a B.S. in Athletic Training and earned a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago. Subero, a Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela native, spent 2022 with the FCL Yankees and was the Tampa Tarpons athletic trainer last season. “A new Minor League Baseball season is always exciting,” Duncan added. “We go into this year understanding it will be a completely different team. We are excited for those prospects and those challenges and to see the character of this team. On the winning side of things, you start off with a clean slate and get a chance to build something special together. You create that goal for everyone to rally around and try to achieve it. That is something you are always excited about.” Please direct any interview requests to Adam Marco – amarco@swbrailriders.comThe RailRiders open their 2024 season on March 29 with a three-game weekend set at Buffalo. The home opener is set for April 2 at 6:35 P.M. as the Syracuse Mets come to PNC Field. Season tickets, mini plans and the flex plan are all available now. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.
SWB RailRiders Game Day Staff Job Fair The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will hold a game day staff job fair on Saturday, February 10, in the club level at PNC Field from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. The 2024 home opener is set for April 2 and the RailRiders are seeking game day employees for the upcoming season. Prospective employees will fill out applications, and the front office staff will do interviews on the spot during the job fair. “Game day employees are vital to our fan experience at PNC Field,” said Katie Beekman, the General Manager of the RailRiders. “Customer service is a key component during every game and event. We are looking for dedicated individuals who will take pride in working at the ballpark.” Interviews for game day staff will begin at 10 A.M. and will run until approximately 2 P.M. The RailRiders are looking for game day employees to fill numerous roles within the organization. Game day staff includes bat boys/ girls, ball boys/ girls, premium level attendants, EMTs, grounds crew, parking attendants, video/ production assistants, ticket sales representatives, ticket takers, and ushers. The team is also looking for members of the Pinstripe Patrol, the RailRiders on-field promotions crew, as well as fun zone employees. Legends Hospitality, the official catering, concessions, and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, will also conduct interviews on February 10. Legends is seeking concession supervisors, stand leads, cooks, warehouse runners, dishwashers, and cashiers. In addition, Legends will hire bartenders, suite attendants, club attendants, and retail associates. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age with working papers. Individuals will choose the open position that best suits their interests or needs, but may be considered for other positions based on availability. The Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Legends Hospitality are equal opportunity employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.
The RailRiders Pinstripe Pals Program Returns to Support Local Youth Leagues The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in partnership with US Foods, are thrilled to announce that the Pinstripe Pals program has returned in support of area youth softball and baseball leagues. Applications are being accepted now and 10 youth leagues will be selected for the program once again this year. League representatives are encouraged to fill out the Pinstripe Pals application form and submit a 500-word (or less) essay describing why their league should be chosen. Each of the ten leagues selected will receive a $500 sponsorship from the RailRiders to assist in league expenses, as well as a $500 gift card courtesy of US Foods, which can be used to help teams pay for concession stand products and supplies. Applications are due by March 1. Each league selected will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game parade at PNC Field before a RailRiders home game and the opportunity for RailRiders assistance with league fundraising. Selected leagues will have a photo of their choice placed in the GuideRail game day program on their league’s designated night. One of the teams in each league will serve as the “Field of Dreams” club on that night and take the field with the RailRiders players. Applications can be found on our website under the Community tab or upon request. Completed applications can be emailed to Robby Judge at rjudge@swbrailriders.com, faxed to (570) 963-6564 or mailed to: SWB RailRiders Attn: Pinstripe Pals 235 Montage Mountain Rd. Moosic, PA 18507 Winning leagues will be announced on March 8. For more information on the Pinstripe Pals program, presented by US Foods, please contact Krista Lutzick or Robby Judge at (570) 969-2255. The 2024 season begins on March 29 in Buffalo with the RailRiders home opener slated for April 2 against the Syracuse Mets. Season ticket plans are available now on www.swbrailriders.com or by calling (570) 969-BALL.
