NILES — It’s more than just a bit ironic to hear Mahoning Valley Scrappers infielder Tommy Rover suggest that he feels comfortable playing at Eastwood Field. Even Rover chuckles a little when referring to the ballpark as “home.”

While Rover may have adapted to playing baseball in Niles, in many ways he remains a fish out of water — or better yet a surfer out of the ocean — in Northeast Ohio.

Born in Brentwood, Calif., Rover spent the first 23 years of his life on the sunny west coast. He grew up near the ocean, where his favorite pastimes included surfing, swimming, hiking and playing tennis. He spent four years playing baseball at Fresno Pacific University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 2024.

Then in the summer of that year, Rover still had the urge to continue

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