The New York-Penn League All-Star Game Tuesday should have a definite Mahoning Valley feel to it.
The American League 28-man roster includes five Scrappers - pitchers Luis DeJesus and Jacob Lee, infielders Joe Sever and Joe Wendle and catcher Charlie Valerio.
Scrappers manager Ted Kubiak will direct the American League squad.
Article Photos
Tribune Chronicle / Dave Dermer
Luis DeJesus pitches for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers earlier this season at Eastwood Field.
DeJesus was the Indians' 11th round selection of the 2011 draft. He is 4-1 with a 1.93 ERA since joining the Scrappers in late June.
"It's really neat to be named to the all-star team, especially with the game being here," DeJesus said. "The fans have been really supportive of me all year long. We always have great backing, and it's especially nice to see so many kids at all the games."
DeJesus made a brief stop at Lake County and worked out of the bullpen before returning to his more familiar role as a starter.
"I felt like I got all of my butterflies out of my system when I was at Lake County. I came down here and have felt really relaxed," DeJesus said.
DeJesus is a native of Diboll, Texas. His family will make the trip north to see their son play in Tuesday's game. They made a previous visit to the Valley in early July.
With nine pitchers on the American League roster, DeJesus knows there is a good chance his work will be limited to one inning.
"Last time my family flew up here, this time they are driving," DeJesus said. "It makes me feel pretty awesome to know I have that kind of support back home."
Wendle was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 June draft. He currently is third in the league in hitting with a .327 average. He has three home runs and 24 RBIs.
"It's an honor to named to the (all-star) team," Wendle said. "We've faced some very talented players during the course of the summer, so this is pretty special.
"I appreciate the recognition and I hope I can make a strong contribution in front of the home fans."
Wendle said he believes Niles is very deserving of its opportunity to host the game.
"The fans here, they are really connected to the team and to the game," Wendle said. "Some places on the road, it seems like fans aren't really part of the game. But here the atmosphere is pretty special."
Wendle's family will also be in attendance Tuesday. They will make the six-hour trip from eastern Pennsylvania.
"That's going to make the night extra special. I'm pretty excited," Wendle said.
The all-atar rosters include several notable omissions. Saxon Butler, who earlier this season torched Scrappers pitching in a series at Eastwood Field, leads the NYPL in home runs (10) and RBI (36). However, he was recently promoted to the Charleston RiverDogs of the South Atlantic League.
Clay Holmes of State College leads all pitchers with an 0.83 ERA. He has started nine games, allowing just four earned runs in 44 innings. However, he is scheduled to pitch today, and will not be available on Tuesday.
